Dissection handpiece and method for reducing the appearance of cellulite

ABSTRACT

A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/852,029, filed Aug. 6, 2010, which claims priority from U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/232,385, filed Aug. 7, 2009, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/286,750, Dec. 15, 2009, all of which areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to surgical tools and implantable deviceswhich modify subdermal structures for decreasing the appearance ofcellulite.

BACKGROUND

Most aesthetic issues for which patients seek treatment from physicianstoday are “more than skin deep.” For instance, gynoid lipodystrophy is alocalized disorder of the subcutaneous tissue which leads to analteration in the topography of the cutaneous surface (skin), or adimpling effect. It is thought to be caused by increased fluid retentionand/or proliferation of adipose tissue in certain subdermal regions, butknown to be structure related. This condition, commonly known ascellulite, affects over 90% of post-pubescent women, and some men.Cellulite commonly appears on the hips, buttocks and legs, but is notnecessarily caused by being overweight, as is a common perception.Cellulite is formed in the subcutaneous level of tissue, in thesubdermal fat layer below the epidermis and dermis layers. In thisregion, fat cells are arranged in chambers surrounded by bands ofconnective tissue called septae. Cellulite is in part due to theparallel orientation of these fibrous septae structures. The fibrousstructures being oriented in a parallel fashion (and perpendicular tothe skin) is unique to women, whereas men typically have more randomorientation of fibrous structures. This difference in fibrous structuremay be in part or wholly responsible for the fact that men do notexhibit widespread cellulite in comparison to women. As the fat cellsheld within the perimeters defined by these fibrous septae expand theystretch the septae and surrounding connective tissue. Furthermore,adipocyte expansion from weight gain may also stretch the septae.Eventually this connective tissue contracts and hardens (scleroses)holding the skin at a non-flexible length, while the chambers betweenthe septae continue to expand with weight gain, or water gain. Thisresults in areas of the skin being held down while other sections bulgeoutward, resulting in the lumpy, ‘orange peel’ or ‘cottage cheese’appearance on the skin surface. Even though obesity is not considered tobe a root cause of cellulite, it can certainly worsen the dimpledappearance of a cellulitic region due to the increased number of fatcells in the region.

Over the years, a variety of approaches for treatment of skinirregularities such as cellulite and removal of unwanted adipose tissuehave been proposed. For example, methods and devices that providemechanical massage to the affected area, through either a combination ofsuction and massage or suction, massage and application of energy, inaddition to application of various topical agents are currentlyavailable. Developed in the 1950's, mesotherapy is an injection ofvarious treatment solutions through the skin that has been widely usedin Europe for conditions ranging from sports injuries to chronic pain,to cosmetic procedures to treat wrinkles and cellulite. This treatmentconsists of the injection or transfer of various agents through the skinto provide increased circulation and the potential for fat oxidation,such as aminophylline, hyaluronic acid, Novocain, plant extracts, andother vitamins. Another treatment entitled Acthyderm (TurnwoodInternational, Ontario, Canada) employs a roller system thatelectroporates the stratum corneum to open small channels in the dermis,followed by the application of various mesotherapy agents, such asvitamins, antifibrotics, lypolitics, anti-inflammatories and the like.

Various other approaches employing dermatologic creams, lotions,vitamins, and herbal supplements have also been proposed to treatcellulite. Private spas and salons offer cellulite massage treatmentsthat include body scrubs, pressure point massage, essential oils, andherbal products using extracts from plant species such as seaweed,horsetail and clematis and ivy have also been proposed. Although amultitude of therapies exist, most of them do not provide a lastingeffect on the skin irregularity, and some therapies may even cause theworsening of cellulite in certain patients. Yet other treatments forcellulite have negative side effects that limit their adoption.Regardless, most of these therapies require multiple treatments on anongoing basis to maintain their effect at significant expense and withmixed results.

Massage techniques were tried as early as the 1930's as a method toincrease lymphatic drainage and improve the appearance of cellulite.Mechanical massage devices, or Pressotherapy, have also been developedsuch as the “Endermologie” device (LPG Systems, France), the “Synergie”device (Dynatronics, Salt Lake City, Utah) and the “Silklight” device(Lumenis, Tel Aviv, Israel), all utilizing subdermal massage via vacuumand mechanical rollers. Other approaches have included a variety ofenergy sources, such as Cynosure's “TriActive” device (Cynosure,Westford, Mass.) utilizing a pulsed semiconductor laser in addition tomechanical massage, and the “Cellulux” device (Palomar Medical,Burlington, Mass.) which emits infrared light through a cooled chillerto target subcutaneous adipose tissue. The “VelaSmooth” system (Syneron,Inc., Yokneam Illit, Israel) employs bipolar radiofrequency energy inconjunction with suction massage to increase metabolism in adiposetissue, and the “Thermacool” device (Thermage, Inc., Hayward, Calif.)utilizes radiofrequency energy to shrink the subdermal fibrous septae totreat wrinkles and other skin defects. Other energy-based therapies suchas electrolipophoresis, using several pairs of needles to apply a lowfrequency interstitial electromagnetic field to aid circulatory drainagehave also been developed. Similarly, non-invasive ultrasound is used inthe “Dermosonic” device (Symedex Medical, Minneapolis, Minn.) to promoteincreased fat reabsorption and drainage of retained fluids and toxins.

Methods and devices using ultrasound to disrupt subcutaneous tissuesdirectly has been described in the known art. Such techniques mayutilize a high intensity ultrasound wave that is focused on a tissuewithin the body, thereby causing a localized destruction or injury tocells. The focusing of the high intensity ultrasound may be achievedutilizing, for example, a concave transducer or am acoustic lens. Use ofhigh intensity focused ultrasound to disrupt fat, sometimes incombination with removal of the fat by liposuction, has been describedin the known prior art. Such use of high intensity focused ultrasound isdistinguished from low acoustic pressure, therapeutic ultrasound.

Recently, it is has also become possible to exploit ultrasound waves forthe purpose of disrupting tissue and tissue ablation without heatingtissue to a level of tissue disruption. One such device is disclosed inU.S. Publication No. 2007/0055179 to Deem et al., incorporated herein byreference, which includes a method of infiltrating exogenousmicrobubbles into the target tissue, followed by applying low acousticpressure ultrasound to the infiltrated tissue to cavitate the bubblesand destroy the target tissue without direct thermal injury to thedermis. Although low acoustic pressure ultrasound may somewhat heattissue, the tissue is not heated sufficiently to cause direct tissuedisruption or to enhance the ablation, and thus significantly reducesthe risk of thermal damage to the dermis and associated structures(nerves, hair follicles, blood vessels). Liposonix (Bothell, Wash.) andUltrashape (Tel Aviv, Israel) employ the use of focused ultrasound todestroy adipose tissue noninvasively. In addition, cryogenic cooling hasbeen proposed for destroying adipose tissue.

Certain other techniques known as liposuction, tumescent liposuction,lypolysis and the like, target adipose tissue in the subdermal and deepfat regions of the body. These techniques may include also removing thefat cells once they are disrupted, or leaving them to be resorbed by thebody's immune/lymphatic system. Liposuction is the most commonlyperformed cosmetic surgical procedure. Traditional liposuction includesthe use of a surgical cannula placed at the site of the fat to beremoved, and then the use of an infusion of fluids and mechanical motionof the cannula to break up the fatty tissue, and suction to “vacuum” thedisrupted fatty tissue directly out of the patient. A variation on thetraditional liposuction technique known as tumescent liposuction wasintroduced in 1985 and is currently considered by some to be thestandard of care in the United States. It involves the infusion oftumescent fluids to the targeted region prior to mechanical disruptionand removal by the suction cannula. The fluids may help to ease the painof the mechanical disruption in some patients, while also swelling thetissues to make them more susceptible to mechanical removal. Variouscombinations of fluids may be employed in the tumescent solutionincluding a local anesthetic such as lidocaine, a vasoconstrictive agentsuch as epinephrine, saline, potassium and the like. The benefits ofsuch an approach are detailed in the articles, “Laboratory andHistopathologic Comparative Study of Internal Ultrasound-AssistedLipoplasty and Tumescent Lipoplasty” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,September 15, (2002) 110:4, 11581164, and “When One Liter Does Not Equal1000 Milliliters: Implications for the Tumescent Technique” Dermatol.Surg. (2000) 26:1024-1028, the contents of which are expresslyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Traditional fat extraction techniques such as liposuction, target deepfat and larger regions of the anatomy and can sometimes worsen theappearance of cellulite. The subdermal fat pockets remain and areaccentuated by the loss of underlying bulk (deep fat) in the region.Many times liposuction is performed and patients still seek therapy forremaining skin irregularities, such as cellulite. The tools used inthese procedures often have cutting edges and are intended to dissectthe subcutaneous tissue and fibrous sepatae. Representative of suchconventional tools is the “Toledo” cannula, pictured in Toledo L S,Mauas R, Complications of Body Sculpture: Prevention and Treatment. ClinPlastic Surg. 2006:33; 1-11.

There are physicians who target the more shallow subdermal fat pocketswith liposuction, but at a higher risk of directly creating surfaceirregularities rather than treating them. Liposuction is not considereda viable treatment for cellulite for these reasons.

Another issue that must be factored in with liposuction is the amount ofdrugs infused with the tumescent solution. With large volumeliposuctions, the Lidocaine infusion (for pain) can get up as high as 50mg/kg, well above the intravascular toxicity limit of 7 mg/kg. Thereason why liposuction patients can tolerate such a large volume oflidocaine is that the lidocaine is injected subcutaneously, is highlydiluted, and is absorbed slowly over time. Thus, the actual systemiclevel of lidocaine is lower. However, in some cases lidocaine can spillover into the circulation and has resulted in patient mortality. Forthis reason, physicians monitor the Lidocaine does closely and oftenlimit the area or treatment as a result.

More recently, energy sources have been added to the cannula to assistin the break-up and liquefication of the fat which in turn improves theease of use. The “Lysonix” system (Mentor Corporation, Santa Barbara,Calif.) and “Vaser” system (Sound Surgical, Louisville, Colo.) utilizean ultrasonic transducer within the suction cannula to assist in tissuedisruption (by cavitation of the tissue at the targeted site). Laserassisted cannula are offered by several companies including “Smartlipo”(Cynosure, Westford, Mass.), “Slimlipo” (Palomar Medical, Burlington,Mass.), and “Smoothlipo” (Eleme Medical, Merrimack, N.H.).

Subcutaneous dissection without fat aspiration is another approach tothe treatment of skin irregularities such as scarring and dimpling. Atechnique called “subcision” was described by Orentreich in 1995. SeeOrentreich D S, Orentreich N. Subcutaneous incisionless surgery for thecorrection of depressed scars and wrinkles. Dermatological Surgery 1995June; 21 (6): 543-9. This technique involves the insertion of arelatively large gauge needle subdermally in the region of dimpling orscarring, and then mechanically manipulating the needle below the skinto break up the fibrous septae in the subdermal region. In at least oneknown method of subcision, a solution containing an anesthetic(Lidocaine) and vasoconstrictor is injected into the targeted region andallowed to take effect. An 18-gauge needle is then inserted 10-20 mmbelow the cutaneous surface. The needle is then pulled back and directedparallel to the epidermis to create a dissection plane beneath the skinto essentially tear through, or “free up” the tightened septae causingthe dimpling or scarring. Pressure is then applied to control bleedingacutely, and then by the use of compressive clothing following theprocedure. While clinically effective in some patients, pain, bruising,bleeding and scarring can result. Other cutting implements include theaforementioned Toledo cannula, and several string or wire based cuttingmethods including the “Surgiwire” (Coapt Systems, Palo Alto, Calif.) and“ReleaseWire” (MicroAire, Charlottesville, Va.).

Cutting or relieving of the fibrous septae in the subdermal region bycurrent subcision methods, is labor intensive, time consuming andtechniques are highly variable. Significant physician time must bedevoted to the procedure and there are technical limits as well asanesthetic limits to the size of a treatable area. There is a lack ofclinical proof of that the techniques work for most patients and thatthe effects are lasting. For these reasons, and because of the potentialside effects and extended time required for healing, subcision andliposuction have largely been abandoned as a treatment for cellulite inthe United States.

In light of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide methods andapparatus for treating skin irregularities such as cellulite and toprovide a sustained aesthetic result to a body region, such as the face,neck, arms, legs, thighs, buttocks, breasts, stomach and other targetedregions. It would also be desirable to provide methods and apparatus fortreating skin irregularities that enhance prior techniques and make themless time intensive, more controlled, minimally invasive, and subjectthe patient to fewer side effects. The present invention adds aminimally invasive device and method for skin treatment by providing acontrolled and less traumatic means for subcutaneous dissection andcutting of the fibrous septae in the subdermal fat or in the layerbetween the subdermal fat layers and the dermis, responsible for theappearance of cellulite, as well as a controlled means of anestheticdelivery. Further enhancement of lasting effect is provided by insertionof fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrouslayer directly or through the wound healing processes. The device andmethod also provides an even level of cutting, parallel to the surfaceof the skin and with adequate skin traction, without further puncture orcutting of the skin. In addition to treating cellulite, this device andmethod may be used to treat hyperhidrosis, acne or other scars, andwrinkles. This treatment may also be used in conjunction with knownmethods of removing fat, skin tightening, or dermal thickening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A minimally invasive skin treatment device is disclosed. The devicecomprises a handpiece having a perimeter elevation and a top whichcooperatively define a recessed area with an inner side of the perimeterelevation and the top defining an apposition surface facing into therecessed area; a conduit extending through a side of the perimeterelevation to the recessed area; a tool configured to at least partiallyextend through the conduit and into the recessed area; and a guidancetrack operably connected to the handpiece, wherein the guidance track isconfigured to constrain a portion of the tool in contact with theguidance track to move along a predetermined path to cooperatively movea distal end of the tool within the recessed area in a planesubstantially parallel to the top of the handpiece and within a regionof a predetermined shape defined by the predefined path.

In some aspects, the device further comprises an entry hole disposed onan inner side of the conduit and facing said recessed area, said entryhole defining a tool pivot point when a distal end of the tool isinserted through the conduit and into the recessed area, wherein theconduit widens outward toward an outer side of the perimeter elevationsuch that a distal end of the tool inserted through the entry hole movesin one direction when a proximal end of the tool outside the conduitmoves in an opposite direction.

In some aspects, the device may also comprise a platform operativelyconnected to the handpiece, wherein the platform includes the guidancetrack; and a guide pin operably connected to the tool, said guide pinslidably engaging the guidance track such that the tool is constrainedto move in accordance with the predetermined path. In some aspects, theplatform can be fixed with respect to the handpiece and substantiallyorthogonal to a bottom edge of the handpiece. The guidance track mayform a groove in a top of the platform, or, in some aspects, theguidance track is a contour formed from an edge of the platform. Theguidance track may include an undercut portion and the guide pin canhave an enlarged head such that the interference between the enlargehead and the undercut portion of the guidance track inhibits removal ofthe enlarged head from the guidance track while permitting the guide pinto be moved in accordance with the predetermined path.

In some aspects, the tool comprises a cutting blade and a reciprocatingmotor coupled to the cutting blade, said reciprocating motorreciprocating the cutting blade. The tool may further include a sleeve,wherein the cutting blade is at least partially slidably disposed withinthe sleeve. The tool may also include an injection device and a nozzle,wherein the nozzle is configured to discharge a fluid in a directionparallel to the top of the handpiece and configured to increase akinetic energy of the fluid when the fluid is injected by the injectiondevice through the nozzle.

In further aspects, the top of the handpiece is configured to beadjustable and configured to change the distance between an inner sideof the top of the handpiece and a bottom edge of the perimeter elevationand changes a volume of the recessed area when the top is adjusted. Insome aspects, the handpiece includes a reversible lid, and, the top ofthe handpiece being configured to be adjustable includes the reversiblelid being configured to be disconnected from the handpiece, turned over,and reconnected. In certain aspects, the top of the handpiece includes arigid upper lid and a rigid lower lid, the rigid upper lid being fixedwith respect to the perimeter elevation, the device further including aninflatable bladder disposed between the rigid upper lid and rigid lowerlid, wherein the rigid lower lid is configured to move up and down withrespect to a wall of the perimeter elevation, the rigid inner lid beingat its lowest point when the bladder is fully expanded, and being at itshighest point when the bladder is deflated. In other aspects, the top ofthe handpiece is operably connected to a perimeter wall of the perimeterelevation by a threaded engagement, the top of the handpiece beingrotatably mounted to the perimeter wall, and wherein rotation of the toprelative to the perimeter wall adjusts the volume of the recessed area.The top of the handpiece may also include an upper rim disposed betweenan upper edge of an outer wall and an upper edge of inner wall, arecessed surface disposed at a bottom edge of the inner wall, aperimeter of the recessed surface being substantially defined by abottom edge of the inner wall, and a first and second reference mark,the first reference mark being spaced a rotational distance from thesecond reference mark such that the rotational distance corresponds topredetermined vertical distance along the threaded engagement. An o-ringmay be interposed between the top of the handpiece and the perimeterwall of the handpiece.

The device may also be configured to include an elastomeric septum, theelastomeric septum being configured to be pierced by the tool and tosubstantially self-seal when the tool is removed such as tosubstantially prevent a vacuum leakage from the recessed area when avacuum is supplied to the recessed area. Other aspects may include thedevice comprising a support arm having a guide pin, the tool beingmounted to the support arm, wherein the guidance track operablyconnected to the handpiece includes the guidance track being disposed ona surface of the top of the handpiece and slidably receiving the guidepin, the guidance track facilitating movement of the pin and support armalong the predetermined path.

In a yet further aspect, the tool is an elongate RF cutting probe. Inthis aspect, the device may further include an RF generator operablyconnected to and supplying a power to the RF cutting probe, and acircuit for measuring the impedance of a tissue disposed within therecessed area, wherein the RF generator includes a feedback control onthe power supplied to the probe based on a measured impedance of thetissue such that the RF generator supplies a consistent power. Incertain aspects, a temperature means on the RF cutting probe is alsoincluded. The temperature measuring means is used to communicateinformation indicative of a temperature of the tissue to the RFgenerator, wherein the feedback control stops supplying power to the RFcutting probe when a temperature of the tissue reaches a predefinedthreshold.

Some aspects of the device may include a vacuum fitting operablyconnected to one of the top and the perimeter elevation and in fluidcommunication with the recessed area. These aspects may also include avacuum pump in fluid communication with the vacuum fitting, wherein thevacuum pump is configured to supply a suction force to the recessed areaand configured to pull a tissue snugly and securely against theapposition surface when the recessed area is placed over the tissue.

It may also be desirable is some aspects to use the device to inject asolution. In some aspects, the tool may be a needle, and the device mayfurther include a pump and a source of injectable fluids in fluidcommunication with the pump, wherein the needle is in fluidcommunication with the pump, and the needle is configured to inject theinjectable fluids into a tissue disposed in the recessed area. Incertain aspects, the needle may include a lumen, a tip for piercing adermis, and at least two injection ports in communication with thelumen, wherein the ports are linearly disposed along an outer surface ofthe needle. In some aspects, the ports may be flush with a side of theneedle. The ports may be configured to discharge a fluid in a directionsubstantially orthogonal to an axis of the needle and substantiallyparallel to the top of the handpiece. Some aspects of the foregoing mayfurther include a microprocessor having a graphical user interface,wherein the pump is configured to communicate information specifying avolume of a fluid injected into the tissue to the microprocessor. Themicroprocessor can be configured to use the graphical user interface toprompt a user to enter information specifying at least one of aconcentration of a component of the fluid and a weight of the patient,and the microprocessor can include logic for determining a maximumdosage of the fluid injected based on the weight of the patient, theconcentration of the component of the fluid, and the volume of the fluidinjected. In some aspects, the microprocessor is configured to cause thegraphical interface to display at least one warning message when thevolume of the fluid injected exceeds a predefined threshold which isless than the maximum dosage, and may also be configured to instruct thepump to terminate an injection when the volume of the fluid injectedreaches the maximum dosage. In further aspects, the graphical userinterface may be configured to enable the user to over-ride the maximumdosage such that the pump continues to inject the fluid once the maximumdosage has been reached. In yet further aspects, the microprocessor maybe configured to track an amount of elapsed time since the pumpinitiated pumping the fluid and to calculate a recommended treatment endtime using information selected from a group consisting of the volume offluid injected and the elapsed time. In certain aspects including avacuum pump, the vacuum pump may be configured to communicate with themicroprocessor and the graphical user interface to display an elapsedamount of time a vacuum was supplied to the handpiece by the vacuumpump. The vacuum pump may also be, in some aspects, configured tocommunicate with the microprocessor and the graphical user interface todisplay a vacuum pressure. It is not necessary that these aspectsregarding injection of a solution and microprocessor control be limiteda device wherein the tool is a needle, but it may also be desirable toinclude these aspects and/or limitations in any of the aspects hereindescribed.

Also disclosed is a method of treating cellulite, the method comprisingthe steps of (1) providing a handpiece having a perimeter elevation anda top which cooperatively define a recessed area, an inner side of theperimeter elevation and top defining a tissue apposition surface facinginto the recessed area, and a conduit extending through a side of theperimeter elevation into the recessed area; (2) positioning thehandpiece over a first treatment area located on a dermis; (3) applyinga force to the handpiece to move a portion of the dermis into therecessed area to substantially fill the recessed area, such that aportion of the dermis is in contact with a substantial area of thetissue apposition surface and a subcutaneous tissue is disposed in therecessed area; (4) inserting a distal end of a tool through the conduitand through the dermis and into the subcutaneous tissue; and, (4)guiding the tool along a predetermined path of a guidance track to movea distal end of the tool in a plane parallel to the top of the handpieceand within the recessed area, to create a surgical lesion of apredetermined shape defined by the predefined path.

In certain aspects, the method may also include moving the distal end ofthe tool in an x and y direction along the plane parallel to the top ofthe handpiece. Certain aspects may also include providing a vacuumassisted suction force to the recessed area to move the dermis into therecessed area.

The method may include adjusting a height of the top of the handpiece inrelation to an entry point of the conduit within the recessed area toadjust the volume of the recessed area and a depth of the subcutaneoustissue accessible by the tool when inserted through the conduit. In someaspects, the top includes a reversible lid, and the height is adjustedby disconnecting the reversible lid from the handpiece, turning it over,and reconnecting it to the handpiece. Some aspects of adjusting a heightof the top of the handpiece may include rotating the top of thehandpiece with respect to the perimeter elevation along a threadedengagement between the top of the handpiece and the perimeter elevationof the handpiece. In other aspects, the top of the handpiece may includea rigid upper lid and a rigid lower lid, the rigid upper lid being fixedwith respect to the perimeter elevation, wherein adjusting a height ofthe top of the handpiece includes inflating a bladder disposed betweenthe rigid upper lid and rigid lower lid to move the rigid lower lid upand down with respect to a wall of the perimeter elevation, the rigidinner lid being at its lowest point when the bladder is fully expandedand being at its highest point when the bladder is deflated.

Some aspects of the method may include the further steps of (a) removingthe distal end of the cutting device from the subcutaneous tissue; (b)positioning the handpiece over a second treatment area located on thedermis, wherein the second treatment area is proximal the firsttreatment area; (c) applying a force to the handpiece to move a portionof the second treatment area of the dermis into the recessed area tosubstantially fill the recessed area, such that a portion of the secondtreatment area of the dermis is in contact with a substantial area ofthe tissue apposition surface and a second layer of subcutaneous tissueis disposed in the recessed area; (d) inserting a distal end of a toolthrough the conduit and through the dermis and into the second layer ofsubcutaneous tissue; and (e) guiding the tool along the predeterminedpath of the guidance track to move the distal end of the tool in theplane parallel to the top of the handpiece and within the recessed area,to create a second surgical lesion of the predetermined shape defined bythe guidance track. In some aspects, the second treatment area may alsoat least partially overlap the first treatment area, and/or adjusting aheight of the top of the handpiece in relation to an entry point of theconduit within the recessed area to change the volume of the recessedarea and a depth of the subcutaneous tissue accessible by the tool.

In some aspects of the method, the tool is an elongated RF probe, andcreating a surgical legion includes applying one of a RF energy or aheat to ablate a portion of the subcutaneous tissue. In further aspects,the portion of the subcutaneous tissue may include adipose tissue, or,include a fibrous septae and creating a surgical legion includes cuttingthe fibrous septae. In some aspects, the tool is a catheter having ahigh-pressure fluid jet, and wherein the method of creating a surgicallegion includes injecting a fluid at a high pressure and parallel to thetop of the handpiece to displace a portion of the subcutaneous tissue.

In yet further aspects of the invention, it may be desirable to deploy amesh within the subcutaneous tissue or other treatment area. Thus, themethod may include the further steps of (a) inserting a distal end of ashaft and a keeper rod through the conduit and into the surgical lesion,the shaft and keeper rod having a mesh furled around the distal end ofthe shaft and the keeper rod; (b) simultaneously rotating the shaftabout its longitudinal axis while anchoring an edge of the mesh with thekeeper rod and moving the distal end of the shaft away from the distalend of the keeper rod by pivoting the shaft about an entry point of theconduit to unfurl the mesh in the surgical lesion; and (c) withdrawingthe shaft and the keeper rod from the surgical lesion and the recessedarea.

In some aspects, a method of treating cellulite by deploying a mesh isdisclosed. In this aspect, the method includes the steps of (1)providing a handpiece having a perimeter elevation and a top whichcooperatively define a recessed area, an inner side of the perimeterelevation and top defining a tissue apposition surface facing into therecessed area, and a conduit extending through a side of the perimeterelevation into the recessed area; (2) positioning the handpiece over afirst treatment area located on a dermis; (3) applying a force to thehandpiece to move a portion of the dermis into the recessed area tosubstantially fill the recessed area, such that the portion of thedermis is in contact with a substantial area of the tissue appositionsurface and a subcutaneous tissue is disposed in the recessed area; (4)inserting a cutting tool through the conduit to create a subdermaltreatment area defined by a surgical lesion of a predetermined shape inthe subcutaneous tissue, and inserting a mesh through the conduit andinto the subdermal treatment area. In further aspects, inserting themesh may include (5) inserting a distal end of a shaft and a keeper rodthrough the conduit and into a treatment area in the subcutaneous tissueand substantially parallel to the dermis, the shaft and keeper rodhaving a mesh furled around the distal end of the shaft and the keeperrod; (6) simultaneously rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axiswhile anchoring an edge of the mesh with the keeper rod and moving thedistal end of the shaft away from the distal end of the keeper rod bypivoting the shaft about an entry point of the conduit to unfurl themesh; and, (7) withdrawing the shaft and the keeper rod from thetreatment area.

In at least one aspect of this method, a first end of the mesh isremovably secured to the shaft through a first longitudinal slit in thedistal end of the shaft, and a second end of the mesh is removablysecured to the keeper rod through a second longitudinal slit in thedistal end of the keeper rod, wherein withdrawing the shaft and thekeeper rod from the open treatment area includes the mesh slipping offthe first and second longitudinal slits. In some aspects, the method mayfurther include securing the mesh within the open treatment area bysuturing an end of the mesh to a portion of the subcutaneous tissue.

In further aspects, a method of treating cellulite by repositioning adissection handpiece is disclosed. In some aspects, this method includes(1) positioning a handpiece having a recessed area over a first sectionof dermis; (2) applying a force to the handpiece to move a portion ofthe first section of dermis into the recessed area to substantially fillthe recessed area, such that a portion of the first section of dermis isin contact with an inner surface of the handpiece and a firstsubcutaneous tissue is disposed in the recessed area; (3) inserting atool through a conduit of the handpiece and through the first section ofdermis and into the first subcutaneous tissue; and (4) cutting a firstlesion in the first subcutaneous tissue at a first depth. In certainaspects of this method, it may be also desirable to include the furtherstep of adjusting a cutting depth of the handpiece.

In some aspects this method may further include repositioning thehandpiece over a second section of dermis, wherein the second section ofdermis, applying a force to the handpiece to move a portion of thesecond section of dermis into the recessed area to substantially fillthe recessed area, such that a portion of the second section of dermisis in contact with the inner surface of the handpiece and a secondsubcutaneous tissue is disposed in the recessed area, and cutting asecond lesion in the second subcutaneous tissue at a second depth. Insome aspects, the first and the second depths are substantially the samedepth. In other aspects, the handpiece is adjusted such that the seconddepth is a different depth than the first depth. In one aspect,adjusting the depth may include applying a different force to move theportion of the second dermis into the recessed area than the force usedto move the portion of the first section of dermis into the recessedarea. In another aspect, adjusting the depth may include rotating a topof the handpiece along a threaded engagement. In a further aspect, thedepth is adjusted by disconnecting a reversible lid from the handpiece,turning it over, and reconnecting it to the handpiece. In yet a furtheraspect, adjusting a cutting depth may include altering an atmosphericpressure inside the handpiece to move an inner surface at a top of therecessed area in a vertical direction relative to the handpiece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A through 1C depict a dissection device, including a handpieceand a cutting tool;

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a cut-away side view and perspective view of thehandpiece used in conjunction with a cutting tool;

FIGS. 3A and 3B depicts a perspective view of the handpiece and motorcontrolled cutting mechanism;

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the motor-controlled cutting mechanism;

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the motor-controlled cutting mechanism;

FIGS. 4C and 4D depict an enlarged view of an embodiment the cuttingtool used in connection with the motor controlled cutting mechanism;

FIGS. 5A through 5E depict an alternative embodiment of the cuttingtool, including the motor control assembly separated from a disposablereciprocating cutting mechanism;

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict the handpiece used in connection with a removableguidance track;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the handpiece and motor controlledcutting mechanism used in connection with the method;

FIGS. 8A through 8C depict the operational range of the handpiece andmotor controlled cutting mechanism used in connection with an embodimentof the guidance track;

FIGS. 9A through 9C depict configuration and placement of the handpieceon a dermis of a patient and an alternate embodiment of the guidancetrack;

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict an embodiment of the guidance track, includinga syringe pump connected to needle or cannula and a source of injectablefluids;

FIGS. 11A through 11D depict an embodiment of the dissection device andcutting tool, including a guidance track positioned on the top of thedevice;

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict the handpiece with a reversible lid and anembodiment of a detachable guidance track;

FIGS. 13A and 13B depict exploded and cut-away views of the dissectionhandpiece, including an inflatable bladder for controlling cuttingdepth;

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict exploded and cut-away views of the dissectionhandpiece, including a threaded engagement for controlling cuttingdepth;

FIG. 15 depicts a microprocessor and display for use with theembodiments;

FIG. 16A depicts an embodiment of the cutting device, including an RFcutter;

FIG. 16B depicts a block diagram of system, including the handpiece andRF cutting tool;

FIG. 17 depicts an embodiment of an RF device, including an inflatablemember having an RF electrode provided on an exterior surface;

FIG. 18 depicts an embodiment of a cutting tool;

FIGS. 19A through 19C depict embodiments of the cutting tool with one ormore retractable blade members;

FIG. 20 depicts a blade support mechanism;

FIGS. 21A and 21B depict embodiments of the cutting tool;

FIGS. 22A through 22D depict another embodiment of the cutting tool;

FIGS. 23A through 23E depict a first embodiment of a mesh deploymentapplicator;

FIGS. 24A through 24F depict a second embodiment of a mesh deploymentapplicator, including a deployment shaft and keeper rod;

FIG. 25 depicts a cut-away side view of the handpiece in use with themesh deployment applicator;

FIGS. 26A and 26B depict the handpiece and guidance track for use with asolution injection device;

FIGS. 27A through 27D depict a method of using the handpiece and cuttingtool on a dermis, including partially overlapping adjacent treatmentareas; and

FIG. 28 depicts the dissection device in use in a method for severing anendocrine sweat gland.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As described herein, cellulite is due in part to the parallelorientation of fibrous structures in the subdermal fat layer. Ingeneral, the device and method described here is used to minimallyinvasively cut fibrous septae. One objective is to create a minimallyinvasive planar dissection at a defined depth below the dermis. Inparticular, the plane of dissection is created parallel to and at apredefined depth below the dermis. Throughout this application referenceto a depth below the dermis or the like should be understood to refer toa depth measured orthogonally from the exterior surface of the skin. Itshould also be noted that the utility of the devices disclosed extendsbeyond treatment of cellulite. The device and method may, for example,be useful in treating acne scars by creating a very localized dissectionreleasing the dermis from the underlying connective tissue. If desired,a suitable filler may be injected into the dissection.

According to some embodiments it may be desirable to implant a mesh offiber promoting material such as proteins, actin, collagen, or the likeinto the planar dissection. In the context of cellulite, it may bedesirable to make a planar dissection within the shallow fat layer (3-15mm below the dermis), at the fat/skin interface, or within the deeperfat layer 16-30 mm below the dermis to cut the fibrous septae anddisrupt the chambers of fat cells. The introduction of a mesh implantinto the situs of the planar dissection (subcision) may counteract thepredominantly parallel structures of the fibrous septae in women andcreate a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healingprocesses. This treatment may be used in conjunction with known methodsof removing fat, skin tightening, or dermal thickening.

The devices and methods disclosed herein may also be used in a varietyof applications where it is necessary to create a pocket in tissue forreceiving an implant. Thus, a minimally invasively pocket may be createdin the cheek, breast, or buttocks for receiving the implant.

The device and method is also applicable to the treatment ofhyperhidrosis. Notably, a planar surgical lesion may be created withinthe lower level of the dermis or at the interface between the dermis andthe shallow fat layer. This surgical lesion severs or damages theeccrine duct from the eccrine sweat gland and/or destroys the eccrinesweat gland.

According to some embodiments it may also be desirable to employ energysuch as Radiofrequency (hereinafter “RF”), to provide the dissectionmeans. The energy can be configured to provide coagulation or acontrolled thermal injury, which in turn may provide fat celldamage/shrinkage or create a more fibrous layer directly or throughwound healing processes. Thermal energy may enhance the effect of thetreatment. For instance in the case of hyperhidrosis, thermal injury mayincrease the number of eccrine glands damaged in the procedure. Thistreatment may be used in conjunction with known methods of removing fat,skin tightening, or dermal thickening.

According to some embodiments it may be desirable to provide acontrolled means of anesthesia delivery to the treatment area prior tothe cutting mechanism.

It should be understood the term “may” as used throughout thespecification refers to an optional feature or component.

As illustrated by FIGS. 1A through 1C, the embodiments utilize ahandpiece 100 to capture and control a location of the skin, or dermis101, as well as precisely control use of a cutting tool 102. Thehandpiece preferably has a top 103 and a perimeter elevation 104 thatcooperatively define a recessed area 105 which can be placed over thedermis of a patient. By applying a force 106 to the top of the handpieceor by a vacuum supplied to the handpiece, a portion of the dermis 101can be moved into the recessed area to substantially fill the recessedarea, thus capturing it within the handpiece and providing some controlover the area of tissue captured. This allows a distal portion ofcutting tool 102 or other suitable dissection device to be insertedthrough a conduit 107 extending through a side of the perimeterelevation of the handpiece, percutaneously through the tissue disposedin the recessed area, and into the subcutaneous tissues encompassed bythe recessed area of the handpiece. Cutting tool 102 is maneuvered insuch a way as to cut a surgical lesion of a predetermined shape insidethe subcutaneous tissues within the recessed area and parallel to thetop of the handpiece. The surgical lesion (dissection) is targeted to bein a range from as shallow as at 1 mm to 2 mm below the interfacebetween the dermis and the shallow fat, to as deep as 20 mm below theskin/fat interface. Applicants hereby define percutaneous to mean apuncture or incision through the skin of between 0.4 mm and 4.0 mm. Itshould be understood that handpiece 100 may be used in conjunction withany of the dissection devices disclosed herein.

Turning to FIG. 2A, a top wall 201 and perimeter wall 202 define atissue apposition surface (tissue facing surface) 203 facing intorecessed area 105. Tissue apposition surface 203 may be curved inward tothe handpiece, or concave, or recessed, so that when handpiece 100 isdisposed against an epidermis 204, further pressure against thehandpiece 100 will cause the handpiece to encompass a subcutaneous levelof tissue 205, particularly the subdermal fat layer below the epidermisand dermis layers, wherein these layers will be positioned withinrecessed area 105. In some embodiments tissue apposition surface 203includes perimeter wall 202 as a relatively small inner wall around theperimeter of recessed area 105. In some embodiments, handpiece 100 mayinclude a transparent cover 206 so that a physician can clearly see andverify that the dermis is properly positioned within the dissectionregion. In the depicted embodiments, the perimeter walls (sidewalls) ofthe handpiece are shown generally circular. However, one of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the handpiece can be any shape.

The device further allows for three-dimensional control of treatment oranesthetic solution delivery and dissection of subcutaneous tissues, notrealized by present art. The device typically controls a depth 215 ofbetween 4 mm and 20 mm below the surface of skin (measured orthogonallyfrom the dermis); but a depth less than 4 mm or greater than 20 mm isalso contemplated. Depth 215 is generally defined as being measured fromtissue apposition surface 203. For the purpose of this disclosure,however, the measurement is taken when epidermis 204 is flush againstapposition surface 203 and the thickness of epidermis is considerednegligible. As such, depth 215 can also be considered to be a depthbelow the surface of the skin or a depth below epidermis 204. The rangeof motion in the lateral direction is controlled by the length andmovement of the cutting blade and/or RF probe, however, typicallyencompasses a length of between 2 mm and 100 mm in either direction. Asthe needle/blade/probe is disposed further into the skin larger arcs areachieved.

Generally, device 100 is pressed against the tissue to move thesubcutaneous layer 205 into recessed area 105 and against tissueapposition surface 203. In some embodiments, vacuum (suction) is used toenhance the capture of the tissue. A vacuum source 1606 (FIG. 16B) maybe placed in fluid connection with handpiece 100 via an optional vacuumport 208 on handpiece 100. The vacuum source may include a vacuum pumpin fluid communication with recessed area 105. Vacuum pump 1606 suppliessuction to the recessed area to pull tissue snugly and securely therein.In some embodiments, the vacuum pump is configured to communicate with amicroprocessor 1501 (e.g., FIG. 15) and the graphical user interface1502 to display a vacuum pressure. The system may further include adisplay indicating the elapsed amount of time vacuum was supplied to thehandpiece by the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump may also modulate thesuction such that a higher suction force is applied initially to pullthe tissue into the recess, and a somewhat lower suction force is usedto maintain/hold the tissue in place thereafter.

Vacuum port 208 may be located in the top wall 201 and/or the perimeterwall 202 of handpiece 100. In some embodiments, tissue appositionsurface 203 includes two or more vacuum ports 208 disposed on itssurface and configured to apply suction from the vacuum source to therecessed area and to the tissue from different locations of thehandpiece.

In the embodiment depicted by FIG. 2A, handpiece 100 is seen in use witha vacuum pressure (suction) applied to a portion of skin 101. Suctionapplied at vacuum port 208 causes skin 101 to be pulled up into contactwith apposition surface 205 of handpiece 100. By applying a sufficientsuction force, a portion of epidermis 204 is pulled into the chamber ofvacuum handpiece 100 and conforms to inner recessed area 105. While thesurface of the skin 204 is tightly positioned against top wall 201 andperimeter wall 202 of recessed area 105, fat layer 205 (subcutaneoustissue) is also drawn into the chamber. A cutting tool 102 (e.g., acutting blade or RF probe, or needle), can be inserted through a conduit213 in a side of handpiece 100 and through entry hole 214, through theskin, and into the subcutaneous tissue. Significantly, the handpieceenables the cutting tool to be consistently inserted at desiredtreatment depth 215. Handpiece 100 thus provides for precise control ofthe depth of the dissection plane and allows for cutting and/or movementof tool 102 substantially parallel to the surface of the tissue along aplane 225 (FIG. 2B).

A membrane 217 formed of a flexible and resilient material may also beapplied to the perimeter wall (sidewall) across the proximal (away fromthe recessed area) or distal ends (closer to the recessed area) of theconduit 213 to minimize vacuum leakage there through. The membrane 217preferably is sufficiently resilient to seal around the cutting tool asit pierces (self-sealing) therethrough and minimize vacuum leakage.Membrane 217 may be formed of silicone. However, one of ordinary skillin the art will appreciate that other materials may be use to create theself-sealing membrane.

Conduit 213 is disposed in sidewall 202 of handpiece 100, preferably,adjacent bottom or side portion of tissue apposition surface 203. Insome embodiments conduit 213 is a through hole defined in perimeter wall202 or in top wall 201. In other embodiments, conduit 213 is a tube-likemember inserted into and/or mounted to a through hole in the perimeteror top wall. Conduit 213 is configured to allow passage of a hypodermicneedle, subdermal catheter, cutting tool (as described above),deployment applicator, or other appropriately configured tool throughthe conduit and into recessed area 105 of the device. The tool may passthrough conduit 213 just enough to penetrate the tissue.

Conduit 213 is preferably located proximate a bottom edge 218 ofperimeter wall (sidewall) 202 to allow a cutting tool or needle to beinserted into the tissue (captured in the recessed area) in a planeparallel to the dermis. In some embodiments conduit 213 supplies anangle of penetration 219 so that the tool inserted through the conduitwill penetrate into tissue disposed within the recessed area, andsubstantially parallel to the surface of the tissue and parallel to thesurface of top wall 201 at depth 215. Specifically, this configurationmay provide stability of the tool to maintain an even level, e.g., whenthe cutting tool is cutting the fibrous structures 220 between theepidermis 204 (and dermis) and the subdermal fat 221. In someembodiments, conduit 213 provides an angle of entry to bias the plane ofdissection toward or away from the dermis.

As depicted in FIG. 2B, entry hole 214 is preferably disposed on aninner side of the conduit and facing the recessed area. Conduit 213preferably widens outward toward an outer side of the perimeterelevation such that a distal end 222 of the cutting tool insertedthrough the entry hole moves in one direction 223 when a proximal end ofthe cutting tool outside the conduit moves in an opposite direction 224.Entry hole 214 thereby defines a cutting tool pivot point when a distalend 222 of cutting tool 102 is inserted through conduit 213 and intorecessed area 105, and the tool moves primarily in an x-y plane 225parallel to the top surface of the handpiece. In some embodiments entryhole 214 may include an optional locking mechanism 226 that locks thetool in place upon insertion into the conduit. In some embodiments inwhich a vacuum is supplied to the recessed area, an optional gasket orseal 217 (not shown in FIG. 2B) may be placed within, in front of,behind, or around entry hole 214 to minimize vacuum leakage.

In some embodiments conduit 213 constrains side-to-side movement of atool such that movement of the tool through the conduit is limited to abackward direction 227 and forward direction 228. In some embodimentsconduit 213 constrains upward and downward movement of a tool such thatmovement of the tool to maintain the tool in a plane parallel to thesurface of the skin 225. In other embodiments, conduit 213 is configuredto allow the cutting tool to be moved in an arc 223 parallel to therecessed area of the tissue facing (apposition) surface so as to allowcutting within a subdermal area substantially the size of the recessedsurface area.

In some embodiments, conduit 213 has a tool control mechanism (notshown) which allows cutting tool 102 or other tool appropriatelyconfigured device, to be controlled by a microprocessor. In such anembodiment handpiece 100 and/or the microprocessor (not shown) controlscutting device 102 to precisely cut an area of tissue disposed withinrecessed area 105. The area being cut is predetermined and programmedinto the microprocessor by the operator of the handpiece.

As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the dissection system may include amotor controlled cutting module 301 and a guidance 302 track operablyconnected to handpiece 100. In this embodiment, the cutter moduleincludes an embodiment of cutting tool 102 (a reciprocating cuttingblade 303 disposed in a sleeve 304) and a housing 305 and a base 306.Guidance track 302 is generally configured to constrain a portion of thecutting module guide pin 307 in contact with the guidance track to movealong a predetermined path. Thus, a distal end of the cutting tool,passing through entry hole 214, cooperatively moves within recessed area105 in a plane substantially parallel to the top of the handpiece andwithin a region of a predetermined shape defined by the predefined path.Motor operation of cutting module 301 is preferably controlled manuallyby an electric switch or button 308, but may also be activated byelectrical or other contact means known in the art within the guidancetrack.

FIG. 4A depicts an exploded view of cutting module 301. Cutter module301 includes a housing enclosure 305 and a base 306. In the depictedembodiment, a motor assembly 401 is mounted on base 306 and enclosed byhousing 305, and a reciprocating cutting blade 303 is operably connectedto motor assembly 401. Motor assembly 401 includes a motor 402, a crank403, a connecting rod 404, and a crank slider 405. In one embodiment,motor 402 is a DC motor which may incorporate a gear reduction. In thedepicted embodiment, crank slider 405 converts motor rotation to cutterreciprocation. However, it should be understood that other designs whichconvert rotary to reciprocating motion (e.g., Scotch yoke) may also beemployed. For instance, motor 402, within enclosure 305, movesreciprocating cutter blade 303 within sleeve 304. As motor 402 turns, acrank 403 operates connecting rod 404 to move crank slider 405. As shownby FIG. 4B, when motor assembly 401 is assembled, crank slider 405 isattached to a proximal end 406 of cutter 303 via a set screw 407 orother connecting suitable means known in the art. In some embodiments,motor assembly 401 is battery powered. In other embodiments, power issupplied from an external power source (not shown), for example, by apower cable 409. Power cable 409 typically provides electrical energy;however, other energy sources such as pneumatic power are alsocontemplated. Cutter blade 303 may include a needle or a bayonet whichmay further include one or more sharp edges.

Cutting blade 303 is slidably disposed within and/or passes throughsleeve 304. As depicted by FIGS. 4B and 4C, sleeve 304 does notreciprocate and is typically comprised of a thin-walled polymer tube andis sterile for single patient use. Sleeve 304 abuts housing 305, doesnot move, and minimizes the amount of tissue in direct contact withshaft 402 of cutting blade 303 to minimize drag and or tugging on thetissue. Sleeve 304 may be affixed to housing 305 and/or motor assembly401 by means of a connection point 410. Connection point 410 may be adisposable protective connector keeping cutter module 301 and gear motorassembly 401 in fluid isolation from sleeve 304 and cutting blade 303.Thereby, sleeve 304 and cutter blade 303 are typically disposable.Sleeve 304 also enables the isolation and/or capture of any fluid thatmay travel along the shaft of blade 303.

Connector 410 may also include a barrier (not shown) enclosing cuttingmodule 301 during operation of the device. In this manner, cutting blade303 and sleeve 304 could be disposed along with connection point 410after each procedure. Correspondingly, cutting module 301 includingmotor assembly 401 and base 306 could be reused in subsequentprocedures.

Turning to FIGS. 5A through 5E, in another embodiment, cutting blade303, sleeve 304, and reciprocating mechanism may be incorporated intobase 306 such that the combined assembly is separate from and operablycoupled to motor 402. In this manner the assembly could be disposed ofafter each procedure. For example, in the depicted embodiment, housing305 encloses the electrical components, including the motor and anexposed pinion gear 501. Base portion 306 is a separated yet connectablecartridge which includes an upper base housing 502 and lower recessedchamber 503 with cutting blade 303 connected to a scotch yoke 505, adriver gear 506, and a driver pin 507 enclosed therein. Upper basehousing 502 further includes an aperture 508 for receiving pinion gear501 when base 306 is connected to housing 305. Motor 402 (not shown)drives pinion gear 501, which, when received by aperture 508, engagesand rotates driver gear 506. Driver pin 507 is attached orthogonally tothe underside of driver gear 506 and engages a substantially linear gearchannel 509 disposed on yoke 505. As driver gear 506 rotates, driver pin507 moves within gear channel 509 and causes yoke 505 (which is linearlymovable in a direction orthogonal to gear channel) to reciprocate tomove cutting blade 303.

Sleeve 304 is slidably disposed over cutting blade 502 and sleeve 304mounted to an engagement channel 510 in a distal end of base 306. Insome embodiments, a pair of locking tabs 511 are mounted on opposingsides of cartridge 306. Tabs 511 may be made of a bendable material(e.g., plastic or flexible alloy) and face inward to the cartridge. Inanother embodiment, rather than being separate components, tabs 511 maybe integrally formed as features of one of the other componentscomprising cartridge 306, although the function of tabs 511 remainsunchanged. Housing 305 includes receiving spaces 512 for receiving alocking portion 513 of tabs 511. A user wishing to attach or detachcartridge 306 from housing 305 need align cartridge 306 with the bottomof housing 305 and apply a small force to move locking portions 513 oftabs 511 into corresponding receiving spaces 512 to lock cartridge 306against housing 305. In one embodiment, cartridge 306 can then beremoved, and disposed of, by cooperatively squeezing a pressure button514 on a lower portion of tabs 511 while removing cartridge 306 fromhousing 305.

In one embodiment, radiofrequency identification (RFID) or otherinterlock could prevent re-use of the blade assembly. In someembodiments, cutting blade 303 is a bayonet. In other embodiments, acutting means, such as an RF cutting device, harmonic scalpel, orsimilar cutting means may be substituted for or used in conjunction withthe blade and/or bayonet. If an RF cutting device is used then thedevice is operably connected to an RF amplifier (see FIG. 16B).

With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the handpiece also preferablyincludes a platform 309 integral with or affixed to a proximal side ofhandpiece 100. Platform 309 may be affixed to handpiece 100, forexample, by screws 310 (e.g., Allen screws), a clip mechanism 1209, 1210(FIG. 12), or any other similar fastening means. Platform 309 preferablyincludes guidance track 302, wherein guidance track 302 is used toposition, guide, and support cutting module 301 by means of a guide pin307. In some embodiments, guidance track is in the form of a maze. Guidepin 307 moves within and along the path of guidance track 301 tostabilize the cutter module at a proper position proximate to handpiece100. FIG. 3B depicts the bottom portions of the handpiece 100 and cuttermodule 301. Guide pin 307 is located on a side of base 306 proximal tosleeve 304. In the depicted embodiments, guide pin 307 is a protrudingfeature that interfaces with, or is received by, guidance track 302;however, guide pin is defined herein to be any feature which engagesguidance track 302 such as to provide a defined movement of the cuttingtool along a predetermined path. For example, guide pin may be a recessor groove wherein guidance track is a raised edge or ridge alongguidance track 302 so that the cutting module rides along the raisedguidance track to move the cutting tool along the predetermined path.

In this embodiment, guide pin 307 protrudes through base 306 of cuttermodule 301; however, in other embodiments guide pin 307 may be part ofbase 306 or cutting module 301. The guide pin may serve dual purposes.Guide pin 307 serves to guide the disclosed cutting module embodimentsto create a surgical lesion defined by the path of guidance track 302.Additionally, the guide pin may include a feature such as an enlargedhead or the like which interacts with guidance track 302 and preventscutting module 301 from being lifted off the platform 309 and/orsupports cutting module 301 at a predefined planar orientation relativeto platform 309. In the drawings, guidance track 302 holds cuttingmodule 301 such that the cutter blade 303 creates a lesion parallel totissue apposition surface 203, i.e., parallel to the dermis. However,the guidance track 302 could also hold the cutting module such that thecutting blade creates a lesion at a different predefined orientationrelative to the dermis. In another embodiment, the guide pin could bemotorized and assist or automate the movement of the cutting modulethrough the guidance track.

Turning now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in one embodiment, the path of guidancetrack 302 is defined by a central channel 601 passing through multiplearcs 602, the arcs each having a radius measured from a center pointlocated beyond the guidance track in a direction toward the portion ofthe cutting tool that will provide the cutting action. Moving toward thecenter point, each successive arc 602 decreases in length and growssmaller. In this embodiment, the penultimate arc is joined with a finalinverted arc 603 of the same size to create a closed loop between thepenultimate arc and final inverted arc. Central channel 601 does notintersect with inverted arc 603, but, rather, guide pin 307 moving alongthe path of central channel 601 will move into the final inverted arc bytraveling along and beyond an end of the penultimate arc. In thedepicted embodiment there are three primary arcs, the last joining theinverted arc. Central channel 601 also has an enlarged opening 604 atits starting position, furthest from the arcs, wherein the centralchannel is in the form of an elongated substantially straight trackmoving toward the arcs. This straightened portion allows the cuttingmodule to be positioned within the track at its beginning and to move ina forward direction to insert the cutting tool through the conduit andentry point and into the recessed area. Central channel 601 is alsostaggered between the first and second arcs and between the second andthird arcs to prevent a cutting module traveling along the guidancetrack from slipping further forward to the last arc before providing theoperator of the cutting module the opportunity to move the cuttingmodule in the entire range of the predefined path. In those embodimentsin which guide pin 307 has an enlarged head, enlarged opening of thecenter channel is suitable for receiving the enlarged head, and guidancetrack 302 includes an enlarged underside for passage of the enlargedhead along the path while preventing the cutting module from beinglifted off platform 309 and/or supports cutting module 301 at apredefined planar orientation relative to platform 309. In an alternateembodiment, the arcs of guidance track 302 are connected at the outeredges to allow alternate movements of the cutting module between thetracks. This is particularly useful once the dissection is complete sothat the motor can be easily moved from the last inverted act to centralchannel 601.

In alternate embodiments, with continued reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B,guidance track 302 may be removable and replaced with a differentpattern which creates a different dissection profile. For instance, avariety of guidance track inserts may be provided so the physician cantailor the procedure to the patient's anatomy and/or the size of thelesion to be created. Guidance track 302 may be inserted into apredefined indentation or cutout 605 in platform 309 and constrained bya locking mechanism 606. The mechanism may include the platform havingpivoting arms or levers 607 which rotate within an indentation 608 tooverlap a portion of guidance track 302 to constrain it within theplatform cutout. FIG. 6A depicts one embodiment of the platform having aremovable guidance track 302 with a predetermined path for use with acutting tool to cut a predetermined shape defined by the predefinedpath. FIG. 6B depicts an embodiment of the platform having a removableguidance track with a predetermined path for use with an injectiondevice to coordinate movement of a complimentary device having ahypodermic needle or other injection device to inject a solution withina tissue disposed within the recessed area in a treatment area definedby the predefined path.

Turning briefly to FIG. 12, platform 309, including guidance track 302,may also be removably detachable from handpiece 100 by a clippingmechanism. In this embodiment, handpiece may include locking receivingspaces 1209 configured to receive complementary insertable clips 1210affixed to platform 309. Clips 1210 may be made of a bendable material(e.g., plastic or flexible alloy) and face outward from platform 309 atits handpiece facing end 1211. Handpiece is formed such that receivingspaces 1209 are integrally formed from the body 1212 of handpiece 100,in a gap left open between the perimeter wall 104 and recessed area 104and an outer surface of body 1212. A user wishing to attach or detachplatform 309 from handpiece 100 need only cooperatively squeeze clips1210 inward while inserting or removing them from receiving spaces 1209.Releasing clips 1210 while they are inserted in receiving spaces 1209will lock platform 309 against handpiece 100.

FIG. 7 depicts the cutting module in use with the guidance track to cutwithin subcutaneous fat layers 205 at depth 215. Sleeve 304 passesthrough entry hole 214 of handpiece 100, effectively creating a pivot atthe point 801 of contact with the skin. With additional reference toFIGS. 8A through 8C, conduit 213 is wider at a point furthest from entryhole 214. This allows cutting implement 102 or cutting module 301 topivot about entry hole 214 and move within the desired treatment area802. Guide pin 307 on the underside of cutting module 301 is engagedinto guidance track 302 of platform 309. Accordingly, the bottom ofcutter module 301 remains in contact with platform 309 during operation,thus constraining the cutter to operate only in a plane at the desireddepth. Engagement between pin and track, combined with pivot at shaftentry hole 214, constrains the cutter to only operate within the desiredregion. Guide track 302 may be constructed in any number of waysconsistent with the practice of the invention. The shape of guide track302 is not limited to those illustrated by the accompanying figuresherein. In some embodiments guide track 302 may be undercut and guidepin 307 may include a flange such that the interface between the flangeand the undercut prevents cutter module 301 from being lifted off fromplatform 309 and/or handpiece 100.

Cutting region 802 is dependent upon conduit 213 such that, as cuttingdevice 102 is constrained by entry hole 214, it is also constrained byguide pin 307 to move along guidance track 302. Accordingly, the cuttingtool moves in a side to side fashion to allow a distal end of the device(including a cutting device, e.g., needle, blade, RF cutter, water jet,laser, ultrasonic or harmonic scalpel) to move along the maximumboundary (laterally and longitudinally) of cutting region 802. FIG. 8Ashows the cutting blade entering into cutting region 802. Guide pin 307is engaged in guidance track 302 as cutting module 301 is advanced inthe Y direction 803 until guide pin 307 reaches the proximal arc of thetrack. At this point, the cutting blade is through the skin and themotor is energized to commence reciprocation of the blade. In furtherembodiments, the guidance track incorporates a contact (e.g., a sensor)to prevent premature powering of the motor module, or automated poweringof the motor module when the motor module has reached the appropriateportion of the guidance track.

As cutter module 301 is advanced toward the handpiece pin 307 movesalong and is restricted by the maze-like path of guidance track 302,such that, as depicted by FIG. 8B, as guide pin 307 moves withinguidance track 302, a distal end of the cutting tool will move from sideto side inside cutting region 802 in a controlled fashion. The path ofguidance track 302 defines the size and shape of region 802. Taking thez-axis as the centerline of the handpiece from top to bottom, the pathpreferably restricts movement of the cutting module, and, thus, thecutting tool moves in an x and y direction within a plane parallel tothe top of the handpiece. The interaction between pin 307 and track 302defines a maximum width 804, or x direction. A physician moves cuttingmodule 301 along the track by beginning the cutting just inside the skinand, following the track to work inward, the fixed (non-cutting) portionof the shaft is always within a region where the tissue is separated;otherwise, the unseparated tissue will prevent the shaft from pivotingfreely over the desired region.

As shown in FIG. 8C, interaction between the pin 307 and the track 302also defines a maximum length 805, or y direction, of the region 802.The path of guide track 302 preferably defines the region in which thecutting tool will move within the recessed area of the handpiece. Thegeometry of the track in conjunction with the length of the blade andreciprocation stroke defines the dissection area. After following theentire track the motor is turned off and the cutter is removed. Afterthe power is turned off and prior to removal of the cutter, thedissection can be confirmed by retracing the path with the motor moduleoff. The power may be turned back on to cut any areas not previouslyreleased. This same method would apply to any cutting instrumentdisclosed herein. In the depicted embodiment, the overall resultingregion 802 is tear-dropped shaped. However, the path of guidance track302 and/or conduit 213 and/or entry point 214 can be altered to modifythe shape of region 802 to take the form of any shape.

An alternate range of motion may be enabled by selection of the guidancetracks illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. A physician may also choose torestrict the motor module within the multiple arcs 602 and not completethe outer regions of any one of the arcs. The staggered central track601 may still be used to advance the module toward the final invertedarc 603. In a further method, the physician may choose to not completesuccessive arc(s). Thus, by these methods, a reduced area of dissectioncan be created.

FIGS. 9A through 9C depict an embodiment of platform 309 and guidancetrack 302. In this embodiment guidance track 302 is a semi-ovoid shapeformed along an outer edge 901 of platform 309. Guide pin 307 ispositioned on a side of the cutting device (e.g., cutting implement 102or sleeve 304) such that guide pin 307 moves along the curvature ofguidance track 302 and such that the dissection can only occur withinthe defined boundary 902 (similar to FIGS. 8A to 8C). Although FIGS. 9Athrough 9C depict the guidance track used with an anesthesia needle, itshould be recognized that the depicted guidance track (or any guidancetrack disclosed herein) can be used with either an anesthesia needle orany cutting instrument disclosed herein.

In a further embodiment of platform 309, depicted by FIGS. 10A and 10B,guidance track 302 is configured to provide a controlled delivery oftreatment solution through needle 1001. Needle 1001 may be a tube, ahypodermic needle and may have a multitude of holes for increasedlateral fluid dispersion. A supply tube 1002 provides fluid connectionof needle 1001 with a syringe 1003, syringe pump, roller pump or otherinjection mechanism known in the art. In certain embodiments, a needlecontrol module 1004 is included to house needle 1001 and to providesupport for movement along guidance track 302. Movement of needle 1001along guidance track 302 provides delivery of the treatment solution inprecise locations of the dissection region and minimizes the amount ofinfusion solution required for a single treatment and/or over multipletreatment sites. Needle control module 1004 preferably includes a guidepin to be engaged into guidance track 302 of platform 309. The guide pinguides the needle/cannula to insure that the injectable fluid isinjected into the tissue at the desire depth and desired locationswithin a predefined treatment area defined by the path of guidance track302.

An embodiment of guidance track 302 for use with needle control module1004 includes three radial channels 1005 converging toward a centerpoint located beyond the guidance track in a direction toward theportion of the needle delivering the solution to the treatment area. Acentral channel provides a straightened portion 1006 that allows theguide pin of needle control module 1004 to be positioned within thetrack at its beginning and to move in a forward direction to insertneedle 1001 through conduit 213 and entry point 214 and into therecessed area. Downward from the starting position of the centralchannel, the central channel intersects and passes through a crosschannel 1007. In this embodiment, cross channel 1007 is in the shape ofa wide arc having a center in a direction toward the center point. Aradial channel begins at each end of the cross channel such that a guidepin moving along the path of the cross channel will move into a radialchannel by traveling along and beyond an end of the cross channel. Eachradial channel converges toward the central channel as the needlecontrol module moves in a direction toward the center point. An enlargedopening 1008 of the central channel marks the starting point of thecentral channel. In those embodiments in which the guide pin has anenlarged head, the enlarged opening of the center channel is suitablefor receiving enlarged head, and the guidance track has an enlargedunderside for passage of the enlarged head along the path whilepreventing the cutting module from being lifted off platform 309 and/orsupports the needle control 1004 module 1004 at a predefined planarorientation relative to platform 309.

In one embodiment, with continued reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, whenthe guide pin on needle control module 1004 reaches cross path 1007along the central channel 1006, the needle has pierced the skin capturedin recess 105. When the guide pin is moved along cross channel 1007, theneedle rotates within the pierced area, but does not move forward orexit the skin. Therefore, when the needle is moved by control module1004 down a converging radial channel and back, cross channel 1007provides a stop which maintains the needle within the skin. In thismanner, solution may be infused over the entire area through a singleneedle puncture. In a further embodiment, with reference to FIG. 12A,central channel 1006 stops at cross path 1007, and four convergingradial channels 1005 can be used for fluid infusion. In this manner, allthe converging channels 1005 start and stop, and cross path 1007prevents the needle from being withdrawn from the skin by requiring theguide pin on control module 1004 to move directly across cross path 1007from a radial channel to central channel 1006.

FIGS. 11A through 11D depict a yet further embodiment of the platform.In this embodiment, platform 309 of the previous embodiments is replacedby support arm 1101 movably coupled to handpiece 100. Support arm 1101includes a guide pin 1102 which interacts with a guidance track 1103defined in the top portion of the handpiece 100. A handle 1104 is usedto advance support arm 1101 as guided by the interaction of the guidepin 1102 and guidance track 1103. Guide pin 1102 moves within and alongguidance track 1103 to stabilize a cutter module 1105 at a properposition proximate to handpiece 100. Cutter module 1105 can be adaptedto use any cutting mechanism disclosed herein. In one aspect cuttermodule 1105 may include cutting implement 102. In another aspect cuttingmodule 1105 is manually controlled. In the depicted embodiment cuttingmodule 1105 is motor controlled and includes a housing, a gear motor,cutting blade 1106, and sleeve 1107 similar to the embodiment depictedby FIGS. 3 and 4. Guide pin 1102 is located on a lower side of supportarm 1101 proximal to sleeve 1107. Cutting module 1105 is fixed tosupport arm 1101 and thus the support arm is moved to advance cuttingblade 1106. In certain aspects cutting module 1105 may include an RFcutter. The compact size of this third embodiment is particularly suitedto facial applications.

In further embodiments of the platform, the handpiece may not have aperimeter wall and/or a defined recessed area. In such embodiments,handpiece 100 may include an apposition platform for covering a portionof the dermis to be treated. The apposition platform may include aguidance track 1103 and support arm 1101 to support the cutting toolfrom above. In some embodiments the perimeter wall does not encompassthe entire perimeter of the device, but, rather, encompasses only whatis necessary to support conduit 213 and/or entry hole 214. In someembodiments, the platform and guidance track are omitted completely,and, stability and control of cutting tool and cutting below theapposition platform is achieved by manual operation and skill of themedical practitioner operating the device.

Some embodiments of handpiece may include an adjustable top or lid tochange the distance between an inner side of the top of the handpieceand the bottom edge of the perimeter elevation of the handpiece.Moreover, in such embodiments, the top of the handpiece 100 isadjustable in relation entry point 214 of conduit 213 to adjust thevolume of recessed area 105 and the depth 215 at which cutting tool 102cuts the subcutaneous tissue when inserted through conduit 213.

In some embodiments, depicted by FIG. 12, the handpiece includes areversible lid 1201. In the depicted embodiment, lid 1201 has a recessedside 1202 and a raised side 1203. Both sides of lid 1201 are configuredto fit snuggly over perimeter wall 104 such as to be easily removed yetmaintain an airtight seal to prevent vacuum leakage when a vacuum issupplied to handpiece 100. Depending on which side of lid 1201 ispositioned over perimeter wall 104, depth 215 of recessed area 105 willvary. Recessed side 1202 has a shallow rim 1204 which is sized to fitthe profile of a top 1205 of perimeter wall 104. When lid 1201 issecured to handpiece 100 with recessed side 1202 faced downward andtoward recessed area 105, depth 215 is increased and the volume ofrecessed area 105 is correspondingly enlarged. Conversely, raised side1203 has a platform 1206 which is sized to snugly fit within the profileof top 1205 of perimeter wall 104. When lid 1201 is secured to handpiece100 with raised side 1203 faced downward and toward recessed area 105,depth 215 is decreased and the volume of recessed area 105 iscorrespondingly reduced. As in the depicted embodiment, handpiece mayfurther include latches 1207, spaced about the perimeter of top 1205 ofperimeter wall 104 to securely fasten lid 1201 to handpiece 100 viacorresponding locking apertures 1208. Each corresponding lockingaperture 1208 is configured to receive a latch 1207 such that when latch1207 is inserted into aperture 1208 and lid 1201 is subsequently rotated1209, latch 1207 becomes locked within aperture 1208, and lid 1201 issecured with respect to the latch-aperture communication.

Accordingly, lid 1201 is reversible so that to change depth 215 theoperator of the handpiece needs only remove the lid, flip it over, andre-attach it. In some embodiments, an o-ring (not shown) or rubber-likematerial may optionally be interposed on lid 1201 about rim 1204 and/orplatform 1206, or about top 1205 of perimeter wall 104, to provide asecure fit and/or prevent vacuum leakage. In further embodiments,several lids may be provided with multiple and varying recess areas toallow depth to be changed, whether the lids are reversible or not.

In a further embodiment, depicted by FIGS. 13A and 13B, an inflatablebladder 1301 conforms to the inner diameter of handpiece 100 and isdisposed between a rigid outer lid 1302 and a rigid inner lid 1303.Inner lid 1303 is slidably disposed inside the circumference ofhandpiece 100 whereas rigid outer lid is rigidly mounted to theperimeter wall 1304. Tubing 1305 fluidically connects bladder 1301 topressure source (not shown) for inflation of bladder 1301. Inflatablebladder 1301, rigid outer lid 1302, and rigid inner lid 1303 are thenpositioned to fit into the top of handpiece 100, with tubing 1305protruding through a port or an upper indentation 1306 located along theupper rim portion 1307 of perimeter wall 1304. These components fittogether such that rigid outer lid 1302 is coupled to perimeter wall1304 of handpiece 100, and enclosing bladder 1301 and rigid inner lid1303 are slidably disposed within handpiece 100. As can be seen by FIG.13B, adjustment of pressure in bladder 1301 causes inner lid 1303 toraise or lower 1308, correspondingly, thereby changing the volume ofrecessed area 105 and allowing for selection of a desired dissectiondepth.

In a yet further embodiment, depicted in FIGS. 14A and 14B, thehandpiece includes a threaded engagement 1401 between a threaded lid1402 and open perimeter wall 1403 of the handpiece. Lid 1402 is threadedonto the upper rim 1404 of wall 1403 similar to a food jar. Lid 1402includes an outer edge and an inner edge 1405 which grasps rim 1404. Lid1402 may further include a recessed area 1406 defined by thecircumference of inner edge 1405. An interior side 1407 of recessed area1406, along with an associated portion of perimeter wall 1403 makes uppreviously described tissue apposition surface 203. Rim 1404 is threadedsuch that, as lid 1402 is rotated 1408, recessed area 1406 (includingtissue apposition surface 203) moves in direction 1409 (orthogonal tothe dermis) to a desired depth within handpiece 100. An optional o-ring1410 may be positioned along the outer circumference of inner edge 1405,between inner edge 1405 and an inner side of rim 1404 to prevent leakingof vacuum applied to the device. Threaded lid 1402 may further includereference numerals (e.g., 9 mm, 10 mm, etc.) defining the depths oftissue apposition surface 203 as lid 1402 is rotated. A reference mark1411 is placed on the body of handpiece 100 to mark and indicate thecurrent depth setting. Lid 1402 may include further complimentarymarkings 1412 to be aligned with mark 1411 at various depths.

In a yet further embodiment, the depth is adjustable by way of a slidingplatform that moves the entry of the tool device up or down relative tothe inside of the lid. Based on the depicted embodiments, one ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are other ways toconstruct a variable depth vacuum assisted handpiece and such designsfall within the scope of the device and method disclosed herein.

Turning back to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the device and system may furtherinclude a syringe pump 1003 connected to needle or cannula 1001 and asource of injectable fluids. The treatment solution may be injectedprior to or after deployment of the cutting tool. The treatment solutionmay include a local anesthetic or pain relieving solution, avasoconstrictor, an antibiotic, a steroid in normal or buffered saline,or a combination of treatment solutions useful in similar medicalprocedures. The needle or cannula 1001 can be used to inject theinjectable fluid into the tissue prior to, during, or after the creationof a surgical incision. Accordingly, the needle or cannula may beinserted through conduit 213 and through entry hole 214, through theskin, and into the subcutaneous tissue. The needle or cannula mayoptionally be disposed on a needle control module 1004 for use with anembodiment of guidance track 302.

In some embodiments, needle 1001 includes multiple injection ports alonga side of the needle and flush with its outer surface. The ports areconfigured to discharge a fluid in a direction substantially orthogonalto an axis of the needle and substantially parallel to the top of thehandpiece. Multiple ports are used to allow a broader distribution offluid delivered by needle control module throughout the area oftreatment during an injection. The solution will infuse into thesubcutaneous tissues, including the subcutaneous fat and adipose tissue.The ports may, in one embodiment, be aligned on a side of needle 1001 sothat when needle 1001 is positioned in the subcutaneous treatment areait can be further oriented such that the infusion occurs predominatelyin the plane of tissue, parallel to the surface of the skin, ensuringthat the fluid is further distributed over the largest possible area. Inother embodiments, the ports may be staggered. One particular advantageof a staggered configuration is an increased mechanical strength.Another advantage is the ability to infuse solution throughout thetreatment area without necessitating perfect alignment of needle 1001.In a further embodiment, the needle may include a partially crimped tipfor piercing a dermis while maintaining the ability to discharge thetreatment solution from the crimped tip while allowing a simultaneousdischarge from the injection ports on its side.

As depicted by FIG. 15, the system may further include a microprocessorunit 1501 having a graphical user interface 1502 to be operablyconnected to and used with injection device 1003, 1004, a source ofinjectable solution 1503, a microprocessor controller 1504, and, anoptional waste reservoir 1505. A microprocessor and software (not shown)may be included and used to control microprocessor unit 1501 to meterthe infusion according to parameters set by the physician. The systemcan display drug dose or other infusion information and provide warningsor alarms. The needle injection module 1002 and/or a syringe pump 1003communicates with the microprocessor unit 1501 information specifyingthe volume of injectable fluids injected into the tissue. The graphicaluser interface may prompt a user to enter information specifying aconcentration of the injectable fluid and a weight of the patient. Themicroprocessor may include logic for determining a maximum safe dosageof the injectable fluid based on the weight of the patient and theconcentration of the injectable fluid. In one aspect, the microprocessormay also cause graphical user interface 1502 to display at least onewarning message when the volume of fluid injected by the syringe pumpexceeds a predefined threshold which is less than the maximum safedosage and may instruct the syringe pump to terminate injection when thevolume of fluid injected by the syringe pump reaches the maximum safedosage. In yet a further aspect, the graphical user interface may enablethe user to over-ride the maximum safe dosage such that the syringe pumpcontinues injecting the injectable fluids once the maximum safe dosagehas been reached.

The graphical user interface also optionally displays an elapsed amountof time since the injection control module and/or syringe pump initiatedpumping injectable fluids. In some aspects, the microprocessor tracksthe amount of elapsed time since the system initiated pumping injectablefluids and may calculate a recommended treatment start time and arecommended treatment end time. For example, if the injectable fluidincludes anesthesia and or a vasoconstrictor, the microprocessorindicates when the surgical incision can be created, i.e., when theanesthesia is effective. Microprocessor may also use information such asthe volume of injectable fluids pumped by the syringe pump and elapsedtime since the syringe pump initiated pumping injectable fluids todetermine the treatment start time and a recommended treatment end time.Microprocessor 1501 and graphical display 1502 can be further configuredin some embodiments to control and/or display other informationregarding the use of the handpiece or cutting tool. For example,microprocessor 1501 may control the vacuum pump used to capture thetissue in the treatment area and graphical display 1502 may be used todisplay a vacuum pressure or an elapsed time a vacuum has been suppliedto handpiece 100 by the vacuum pump.

In a further embodiment, the device and method may be configured to usea high-pressure stream of fluid such as saline to create the lesion orto sever fibrous septae or disrupt the subcutaneous fat. A cuttingdevice suitable for use with some aspects of the present invention iscommercially marked by HYDROCISION™. HydroCision's proprietaryFLUIDJET742237.1technology is the basis of a new surgical modality,HydroSurgery. HydroSurgery uses a controlled hair-thin supersonic streamof water in a precise manner to provide an effective cutting, ablation,and collection system for medical applications. HydroSurgery has thepower density of laser and radiofrequency technologies without causingcollateral damage to tissue. HydroSurgery also has the unique benefit ofsimultaneously cutting, ablating, and removing the targeted tissue anddebris.

In some embodiments needle 1001 is configured to increase a kineticenergy of the solution when it is injected by injection device 1004.Injection device 1004 is guided along guidance track 302 to inject asolution at a high pressure orthogonal to the surface of the dermis, andat depth 215, to cut fibrous septae 220 located in a treatment arealocated in the subcutaneous tissue 205. It has been determined that apressure of between 20 and 60 Bar a water-jet with sufficient cuttingpower to cut 8 mm into subcutaneous tissue in one single pass orrotation of the needle. Deeper cuts can be achieved by repeatedapplication on the same cut. Water-jet dissection can also lead to awater uptake of the cut tissue. Morphologically all the vessels, lyingin the cut are undamaged if the pressure doesn't exceed 40 Bar pressurerange. Preferably, the pressure is thus set to be above 50 bar (in the50 to 60 bar range) to ensure that fibrous septae 220 located in thetreatment area is cut. In this embodiment, needle 1001 includes a nozzle1506 at a distal end of the needle. Preferably, nozzle 1506 isconfigured to increase a kinetic energy of a solution injected by theinjection device through the needle. In some embodiments, the nozzle isa convergent nozzle. Thus, the throat of the nozzle converges toward thetip of the needle. In other embodiments the nozzle may be a divergentnozzle and/or be configured to slow the kinetic energy of the solutioninjected.

In a yet further embodiment, the device and method may also use thedevice and high powered pressure burst described in, and incorporated byreference from, patent application Ser. No. 12/555,746, filed Sep. 8,2009, which is a continuation-in-part and claims priority from U.S.application Ser. No. 11/515,634, filed Sep. 5, 2006, and from U.S.application Ser. No. 11/334,794, filed Jan. 17, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No.7,588,547, both of which are incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

FIG. 16A depicts an embodiment of the cutting mechanism. In thisembodiment, an RF cutter 1601 is used. In other embodiments, anothercutter such as a harmonic scalpel (e.g. Ultracision® harmonic scalpel)or the like may also be used. RF cutter 1601 may be positioned in aninsulating sleeve 1602 that electrically insulates RF cutter 1601 fromthe body of RF cutting module 1603. In some embodiments, the shaft ornon-cutting portion of RF cutter 1601 may also be coated with anelectrically insulating coating. The body of cutter module 1603 mayinclude a handle 1604 which is also electrically insulated from RFcutter 1601. Cutter module 1603 may include a guide pin 307 (as in FIG.3B), and handle 1604 may be used to guide cutter module 1603 along guidetrack 302. This embodiment illustrates a specialized handle and RFcutting mechanism for use with the guidance track 302 and handpiece 100.Similar to FIGS. 10, and 11A through 11C, guidance pin 814 moves withinguidance track 822 to properly position the RF cutter 1301 within thecutting region. The handle may have control buttons (not shown) whichactivate the coagulation or cutting modes of the RF energy. In someembodiments, the use of a reciprocating motor such as illustrated byFIG. 4 may be used to reciprocate, move, or vibrate RF cutter 1601. Itshould also be understood that, in some embodiments, the RF cutter maybe provided with a reciprocation mechanism or motor control forreciprocating the RF cutter similar to cutter module 301 depicted inFIG. 4.

In some embodiments, RF cutter 1603 may include a bayonet and/or bladeat least partially coated with an insulative coating. For example, ifthe blade/bayonet is two-sided, the insulative coating may cover onlyone side, leaving the other side exposed. An additional benefit ofleaving the side facing the dermis exposed would be to direct additionalenergy upward for skin tightening. An electrical connection point 1605connects RF cutter 1601 by means of an electric cable (not shown) to anRF generator 1609 (FIG. 16B).

FIG. 16B depicts a block diagram of a system for reducing the appearanceof cellulite in a patient. The system includes an RF cutting probe 1601,a vacuum assisted handpiece 100, and an RF generator 1606. The handpiece100 supports the RF probe such that the probe creates a planar surgicallesion at a predefined depth below the dermis through a minimallyinvasive puncture between 0.4 mm and 4.0 mm in diameter. In other words,the surgical lesion is created without exposing the wound or creating askin flap. Handpiece 100 has a tissue-engaging surface defining a recessconfigured to capture a predefined thickness of tissue. RF cutter 1601is percutaneously inserted into the tissue captured within the recesssuch that the planar surgical lesion is created at a depth defined bythe height of the recess. RF generator 1609 supplies power to the RFcutting probe and includes an impedance measuring circuit for measuringthe impedance of the tissue. The RF generator includes feedback controllogic which may include a hard-wired electronic circuit and/or softwareor microcode on a RAM (random-access memory) or ROM (read-only memory)chip executed by a microprocessor or the like within the RF generator.The feedback control logic optimizes the power supplied to the probebased on the measured impedance such that the RF cutting probe cutsefficiently.

The aforementioned system may further include a thermistor orthermocouple (not shown) which may, for example, be provided on the RFcutting probe 1601. In certain embodiments, the thermistor orthermocouple is preferably operably coupled to RF generator 1609 andcommunicates information indicative of a temperature of the tissue. Thefeedback control stops the RF generator from supplying power to thetissue when a temperature of the tissue reaches a predefined threshold.

The aforementioned system may contain controlled infusion of aconductive fluid, like saline, to provide additional dispersion of theRF energy, maintain tissue impedance, and/or provide anesthetic benefit.

In some embodiments, a monopolar RF electrode may also be used withhandpiece 100 as the return electrode. In this embodiment the systemincludes an active electrode 1601, an RF amplifier 1609, a vacuumassisted handpiece 100, and a vacuum pump 1606. In one embodiment,handpiece 100 may include an electrically conductive layer (not shown)attached to the interior surface 203 of the handpiece such that, in use,the conductive layer is placed in electrical contact with the skin 204.The conductive layer can be a mesh screen affixed to the handpiece orcan be a layer which is sputtered or vacuum deposited on the interiorsurface of the handpiece. According to some embodiments the conductivelayer may be translucent or transparent.

The conductive layer is electrically coupled to RF generator 1609 andthus a conductor electrically coupled to the conductive layer passesthrough an opening in the handpiece or under the handpiece. Theconductive layer may span the entire interior surface of the handpieceor may include one or more windows used to visualize positioning of thehandpiece. The conductive layer may be composed of any electricallyconductive material, such as copper or aluminum, and/or incorporating anelectrically conductive gel. Certain conductive materials may besputtered or vacuum deposited on the handpiece, providing and additionaladvantage of being optically transparent (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO)).

According to one embodiment, the system includes a handpiece fluidicallycoupled with a vacuum pump 1606 (FIG. 16B), and a needle-like RFelectrode 1601 (FIG. 16A) which is inserted through conduit 213 in thehandpiece for creating a lesions parallel to the surface of the skin andat a depth 215 defined by the handpiece (FIGS. 2A and 2B). RF electrode1601 is coupled to RF generator 1609 which includes impedance feedbackcontrol logic which may be embodied in software and/or hardware orfirmware. The impedance feedback control logic monitors the impedance ofthe tissue and modulates the power delivered to the electrode to preventthe tissue from desiccating, i.e., preventing a premature impedancespike.

In the disclosed embodiments herein, a subdermal pocket is created usingthe aforementioned vacuum handpiece in combination with various cuttingmodalities including cutting blade, laser, high pressure fluid injection(e.g., hydrocision), or RF electrode. After the subdermal pocket iscreated, the cutting tool is swapped for an RF electrode which isoperated in a coagulation mode (as opposed to a cutting mode) to stopany bleeding. Use of the RF electrode in the coagulation mode may resultin contraction of collagen in the tissue leading to skin tightening andmay lyse some of the tissue. Thus, if the subdermal pocket is createdwithin the shallow fat layer then operation of the RF electrode in thecoagulation mode may lyse some adipose tissue. Use of the RF electrodein the coagulation mode may increase the healing response time and maylead to less bruising.

In the aforementioned embodiment, the same RF electrode 1601 may be usedboth to create the subdermal pocket and to induce haemostasis. Namely,RF electrode 1601 may be operated in a cutting mode to create thesubdermal pocket and then may be operated in a coagulation mode tocreate or induce haemostasis.

In one embodiment, depicted by FIG. 17, an inflatable member 1701 havingan RF electrode 1702 provided on an exterior surface thereof is used tofacilitate coagulation. More particularly, a subdermal pocket belowdermis 204 is created using the handpiece 100 in combination with any ofthe aformentioned cutting modalities including cutting blade, laser,high pressure fluid injection (e.g., hydrocision), or RF electrode.Inflatable member 1701 is inflated within the subdermal pocket andelectrode 1702 attached thereto is operated in a coagulation mode tostop any bleeding. It should be understood that the device may alsoutilize a return electrode 1703 placed in contact with the patient'stissue. In some embodiments, return electrode 1703 may be placed in alocation remote from the treatment site. In the depicted embodiment,electrode 1702 includes multiple circular bands disposed about thecircumference of inflatable member 1701. However, it should berecognized that the electrode may take the form of other configurations,for example, one or more linearly disposed bands along the length ofinflatable member 1701. As described above, the vacuum handpiece mayinclude a return electrode, or the return electrode can be a discreteitem separate and remote from the handpiece.

In a further embodiment, the cutting member (i.e., any tool disclosedherein capable of cutting tissue or creating a lesion within tissue) mayinclude an electrode or a heating element. In an embodiment where thecutter includes an electrode, the cutter itself may be the electrode orthe cutter may be a discrete element provided on and electricallyinsulated from the rest of the cutter. In an embodiment where the cutterincludes a heating element such as a resistive heating element, theheating element may be provided on a surface of the cutter or may befully or partially embedded within the cutter. In all such embodiments,the cutter may include a thermocouple to measure the temperature of thecutter and/or tissue. The electrode/heating element may be used tocoagulate the tissue, minimize bleeding/bruising, and/or to provide skintightening.

Referring back to FIG. 2A, cutting tool 102 is configured to cut thefibrous septae 220 at the interface between the dermis and the fatlayer, within the shallow fat layer 205 which applicant defines as thelayer 0-10 mm below the dermis, or, in the deep fat layer 221 defines asthe layer 10-30 mm below the dermis, e.g., between the subdermal fatlayers and the skin 204, at depth 215. Previously described embodimentsincluded a mechanical or motor-controlled bayonet-like device, RFcutter, a high-pressure injection system, needle-type injection, and thelike. Turning now to FIG. 18, the cutting tool 102 may also include anelongated thin hollow subdermal catheter-like instrument 1801 having aretractable cutting blade 1802.

The term “subdermal catheter” is used herein to describe any elongatedobject which can be used to penetrate the skin or be placed through ahole in the skin, including, but not limited to, a hypodermic needle, acutting tool, a catheter, or other device that can puncture or be placedthrough the surface of the skin. The subdermal catheter is insertedthrough an incision (made by a sharpened distal end of the catheter orother cutting device) between 0.4 and 4 mm because to avoid or minimizeresidual scarring which are undesirable in a aesthetic procedure.Subdermal catheter 1801 can be rigid or flexible, and may be made of astainless steel alloy, metal, plastic, or any other material known inthe art.

The distal end 1803 of subdermal catheter 1801 is preferably configuredto be percutaneously inserted into a treatment area and to move withinthe treatment area in a manner substantially parallel to the surface ofthe skin. In some embodiments, distal end 1803 of subdermal catheter1801 may be honed, composed of a separate sharp tip such as a trocartip, or may be equipped with unbeveled blunt-tip. It may be placedthrough the skin with an introducer.

Retractable cutting blade 1802 includes one or more blade members 1804deployable from a collapsed position to an extended, lateral position.In some embodiments the one or more blade members 1804 are deployablefrom one or more sides of subdermal catheter 1801 at or near a distalend 1803. In this embodiment, cutting tool 102 preferably maintains anarrow profile, taking on the dimensions of a relatively large gaugeneedle, so that when blade members 1804 are fully collapsed it may bepercutaneously inserted into the subcutaneous level of tissue, in thesubdermal fat layer below the epidermis and dermis layers. Blade members1802 are preferably configured to remain substantially parallel to thesurface of the skin when in the extended position. Once deployed, theblade members 1802 can be used to shear fibrous septae 220 which formthe aforementioned chambers of fat cells contributing to the appearanceof cellulite in the subdermal region by manipulating the device in aforward and backward motion parallel to the epidermis to create adissection plane beneath the skin. The device has been shown toespecially useful in breaking up fibrous structures that are oriented ina parallel fashion (and perpendicular to the skin).

In one embodiment, depicted by FIG. 19A, a single blade member 1901 ispivotably associated with cutting tool 102 at or near a distal end ofthe cutting tool such that when blade member 1901 is collapsed orretracted it is parallel to the device, and when it is deployed the endsof the blade member extend laterally away from the device. In anotherembodiment, as shown by FIG. 19B, a single blade member 1902 ispivotably connected at a proximal pivot point 1903 of the blade membersuch that the blade member 1902 foldably pivots from a closed positionwherein the unconnected (distal) end 1904 is proximate to, or inside,subdermal catheter 1801, to an open position wherein the unconnected end1904 of the blade member extends outward from the pivot point 1903.

In a further embodiment, as shown by FIG. 19C, the device includes twoblade members 1902 pivotably connected at an (proximal) end of eachblade member such that the blades foldably pivot from a closed positionwherein the unconnected (distal) ends 1904 are proximate to each other,to an open position wherein the unconnected ends 1904 extend outwardfrom pivot point 1903. In one aspect of this embodiment, the two blademembers 1902 are connected together at common pivot point 1903. Inanother aspect, the blade members 1902 may be connected at independentpivot points (each blade having its own pivot point 1903) attached to,or associated with, a common rigid member. As shown by the illustrativeembodiments the one or more blade members may be collapsed to and fromsubdermal catheter 1801 by way of an elongated opening 1906 on eachrespective side of the device.

In some embodiments, as depicted by FIG. 20, the blade members 1902 areassociated with a supporting structure 2001. Supporting structure 2001may include a hollow tube or may be a flat support surface on which theblade members are pivotably affixed. In some embodiments subdermalcatheter 1801 may comprise at least a portion of supporting structure2001. A deployment member 2002 may move inside subdermal catheter 1801and/or be associated with supporting structure 2001. In someembodiments, the pivot location of one or more blade members (comprisinga common pivot point or a common rigid member having multiple pivotpoints) is connected to, or associated with, supporting structure 2001and elongated deployment member 2002 for deploying the blades.Deployment member 2002 moves to release the blade from a constrainedposition, and may move to retract the blade members from a deployedposition. Deployment member 2002 is preferably rigid and can be made ofstainless steel, metal alloy, plastic, or any other similar material.The material of deployment member 2002 may also be non-rigid orsemi-rigid depending on the embodiment and the application of thedevice.

Because of the device's narrow profile and protracted cutting blades itis preferable to provide a maximum supporting force for each blademember against the internal lever force imposed on the blade memberswhen coming into contact with and/or cutting through the fibrous septae.Thus, two embodiments of mechanisms that provide efficient deploymentand support are explained for illustrative purposes.

With continued reference to FIG. 20, pivot location 1903 is fixed at apoint near or at the end of the device. A distal end 2003 of acollapsible support member 2004 is connected to a respective blademember at a location between its pivot point 1903 and distal end 1904 ofrespective blade members 1902. A proximal end 2005 of support member2004 is located proximal to device 102 and tracks parallel to the devicesuch that moving proximal end 2005 of the support member 2004 towardfixed pivot location 1903 applies an outward force 2006 on blade member1902 to move the blade member outwardly from the device.

In some aspects, deployment member 2002 may be associated with proximalend 2005 of support member 2004 from a location distal from pivotlocation 1903 to a location proximal to pivot location 1903. The supportmember may have a self-locking mechanism which selectively locks/unlocksthe support member in place once it has extended the blade member to thedesired location. The self-locking mechanism can be any means known inthe art. For example, the self-locking mechanism may lock and unlock bysudden force on the common joint of the support member as a result of anequal force placed on the deployment member.

As the support beam is collapsed, typically by moving deployment member2002 in a backwards direction, it acts on the blade member to move theblade member from a deployed position to a collapsed position. Inembodiments where there are two blade members, support member 2004 maybe comprised of two rigid members 2004 pivotably joined together at, andcollapsible from, a common center by a common joint 2005, and connectedto the respective blade members 1902 at the opposite ends 2003 of rigidmembers 2004. The proximal end of each rigid member 2004 is locatedproximal to the device and tracks parallel to the device such thatmoving center joint 2005 deploys or retracts each blade membersimultaneously in a manner similar to that described with one blademember. The two rigid members may lock into a straight rigid positionwhen fully deployed.

In another embodiment, each respective blade member may be deployedusing a channel and pin mechanism. A pin may be associated with theblade member near the pivot point. As the deployment member is movedfrom a proximal to distal position the pin associated with therespective blade moves within a respective channel disposed on asupporting structure. The channel may widen at the distal end to openthe blade member into a fully deployed position. In some aspects, thepivot location may also move proximally as the blade member opens anddistally as the blade member closes. In some aspects, one or more of thechannels may have a lock to secure the blade member via the pin when arespective blade member is in the deployed position. In other aspects,the subdermal catheter or other supporting structure may have a lockchannel at a distal end into which the blade member will snap into as itcompletes deployment. The lock channel may be on a bottom or a top ofthe supporting structure and the blade member and/or the pivot locationmay be driven into the lock channel by a spring or by the linearcurvature and/or resilient flexibility of the deployment member or anyother method known in the art. In some aspects, the deployment membermay have a locking mechanism to secure the deployment member inposition, and consequently secure the blades in either a retracted ordeployed position. The locking mechanism may be actuated from a controllocated at or near a proximal end of the cutting tool. In theseembodiments, support members 301, 306 may be optional.

The descriptions of the above support mechanisms are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to these precise forms of supportdisclosed. Other similar support mechanisms found to be technicallyuseful in micro-devices may also be constructed. For example, the bladesmay use a switchblade-like mechanism for quick deployment with acounter-lever for collapsing the blades, or an electric motor to movethe blades between a collapsed and extended position.

In some embodiments, for example, referring back to FIGS. 19A to 19C,the one or more blade members may be collapsed to and from the subdermalcatheter device by way of an elongated opening 1906 on each respectiveside of the device. Elongated opening 1906 may be narrow enough that theopening and closing mechanism (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 20) andinternal area of the subdermal catheter 1801 are substantially protectedfrom the outside. Enclosing the blade members within subdermal catheter1801 during deployment enables the subdermal catheter to be inserted orwithdrawn from a patient minimally invasively. A thin membrane (notillustrated) may be disposed on either or both sides of the opening suchas to protect body fluids from entering into the subdermal catheter. Insome embodiments the aforementioned membranes may overlap each other toprovide better closure. The membrane can be made of any biocompatiblematerial known in the art, e.g., any of the non-absorbable polymericmaterials described above.

In some embodiments, the deployment member 2002 and the cutting blades1902 are deployable from inside the body the subdermal catheter 1801. Inthese embodiments the blades 1902 may be deployed from a collapsedposition from at or near the distal end 1803 of the subdermal catheter.In these embodiments, blades 1902 lie proximal each other inside hollowshaft 2001 and move to an outward position outside shaft 2001. Themechanics of blade members 1902 may be fully or partially exposed, thusnot requiring the elongated openings 1906 along the side of the device.In yet further embodiments the elongated openings 1906 are not required,or the device may have partial elongated openings along the side of thecutting device.

In some embodiments the blade members will collapse in a way that theywill substantially or completely overlap each other from end to end inthe collapsed position. In other embodiments, where the blade members1902 do not have the same pivot location, the blade members may collapsein a way that, when in the collapsed position, the blades are paralleland adjacent each other from end to end, e.g., as depicted in FIG. 21.The angle of deployment for each blade member may range between 0degrees in a fully collapsed position to 90 degrees in a fully deployedposition. Depending on the stability of the support beam or otherlocking mechanism it may be more preferable to allow a range between45-75 degrees so that the device can maintain a narrow profile duringdeployment, and to maintain maximum stability of the blades duringforward and reverse cutting action. Other angles, including an anglegreater than 90 degrees are possible depending on various factors,including the skin-type or fat-density of the patient to be treated.

In the illustrated embodiment, device 102 has a handle 1804 located ator near a proximal end of the device for control and positioning thedevice 102. The handle 1804 preferably includes at least one controlwire or rod for actuating the deployment and retraction of theretractable cutting blade 1802. The control wire extends through a lumenin the catheter from the handle 1804 to cutting blade 1802.

The device preferably has a deployment button or similar control 1805located at the proximal end of the device which actuates the controlwire and/or deployment member 2002 to move the blade members from adeployed and collapsed position. The deployment control may, forexample, include a control rod or wire which extends through a lumen ina catheter. The lumen supports the lateral sides of the control wirethereby enabling the wire to exert a pushing force without buckling.Pushing the deployment control 1805 may collapse the blades whilepulling the control may deploy the blades. In some embodiments pushingthe control may deploy the blades while pulling the control may collapsethe blades. In other embodiments pushing or pulling the control may doboth. In some embodiments the cutting device may have a handle or ahandpiece at a proximal end of the deployment member.

In some embodiments the device, including the subdermal catheter, willhave a round cross-section, while in other embodiments the device willmaintain a flat or oval profile. Generally, the cutting devicepreferably maintains a narrow profile such that it can be percutaneouslyinserted with minimal invasion to the treatment area. The nominal outerdiameter of the cutting device typically ranges from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm(25 gauge to 10 gauge), but can be smaller or larger depending on thetolerance of the patient. Each of the embodiments disclosed hereininclude a cutting blade.

Generally, the cutting blades have a nominal width from about 0.5 mm to3.3 mm and a nominal thickness from about 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm, however, theblade can have a smaller or larger width and/or thickness depending onseveral factors, including the area to be treated or skin type. For thepurposes of illustration, the blade members are substantially flat.Other embodiments may include blade members that are curved, bowed, orangled, or any other design which could be useful in improving thecutting action.

In each of the embodiments described herein the cutting blade includes ashaft portion and a cutting portion where the shaft is defined as thatportion which does not contribute to the tissue cutting and the cuttingportion is the active and/or sharpened portion of the cutting blade. Thelength of the cutting blade may vary depending on the specificapplication and the material properties of the blade. Generally, thelonger the cutting blade the more difficult it is to prevent bending ordeflection (which is undesirable). For facial treatment applications(acre scar treatment) the cutting blade may range from 2 mm to 5 mm inlength; whereas for a cellulite treatment the cutting blade may rangefrom 5 mm to 25 mm in length.

In each of the embodiments described herein the blades may have a sharpor a blunt edge to separate the fibrous septae. In some embodiments theblades are double sided thereby having an edge on each of the longersides. In other embodiments the blades are single sided. In someembodiments the distal and/or proximate ends may have a sharp edgeand/or may come to a point. For instance, the end proximal to the pivotlocation may be pointed such that the pointed end near the pivotlocation can be used as a spear to puncture the skin when inserting thedevice into a treatment area.

One or more of the blade members 1902 may be an RF electrode (monopolaror bipolar). If the blade members are RF electrodes they may beelectrically insulated from one another by providing an electricallynonconductive coating on portions of the blade members 1902.

The term cutting blade as used herein should be understood to include anRF electrode, harmonic scalpel or the like useful in cutting tissue in aminimally invasive manner. Thus the cutting blade may or may not includesharpened edges and/or a sharp tip. The term cutting blade may be asingle blade having one or more cutting surfaces and also encompassestwo or more blades. An RF electrode-cutting blade may be monopolar orbipolar such as such terms are commonly understood in the medical devicearts.

As depicted by FIGS. 21A and 21B, in some embodiments, subdermalcatheter 1801 may include an outer housing 2101 that is part of, orassociated with, the cutting tool and/or other blade mechanisms hereindescribed. In some aspects subdermal catheter 1801 may also include anouter housing 2101 that is part of, or associated with, a meshdeployment applicator (described below). Subdermal catheter 1801 may beused in conjunction with a handpiece 100. Moreover, the vacuum assistedhandpiece supports the cutting tool thereby facilitating a planardissection parallel to the dermis. In one embodiment, the crosssectional profile of the subdermal catheter is substantially flat so asto maintain a low profile when inserted between the skin and fat layers.In other embodiments the cross sectional profile of the subdermalcatheter may be round, square, triangular, hexagonal or any other shapeconfigured for the embodiments described herein.

In one embodiment, cutting device 102, is enclosed in a hollow shaft2101 which includes a hypodermic needle or skin penetrating means 2102located at the distal end of the shaft. Needle 2102 is sufficientlyrigid to allow skin perforation. In the illustrated embodiment the shaft2101 of hypodermic needle has a nominal inner diameter sufficient toenclose cutting tool 102, including the blades and their respectivedeployment mechanism. In some embodiments, hollow shaft 2101 includes atleast a portion of subdermal catheter 102. In one embodiment, asdepicted by FIG. 21B, the penetration means may include a sheath orslotted needle 2103 such that the end of the blades 2104 protrude from adistal end 2105 of the device and form at least a portion of thepenetrating means. Each blade may have a pointed proximal end such thatwhen the blade is collapsed the combination of blade members forms acutting edge 2106. In a further embodiments the retractable cuttingblade members may ride atop supporting structure 2103 near its distalend.

FIGS. 22A through 22E illustrate a further embodiment of cutting tool102 for creating a plane of dissection which cuts or resects the fibrousseptae responsible for creating the chambers of fat cells. FIG. 22Adepicts an embodiment of the cutting device including a fluid injectionport 2201 in fluid connection with a lumen 2202 in the subdermalcatheter. Fluid injection port 2201 may be used for injecting atreatment solution such as an anesthetic and/or a vasoconstrictor intothe cutting area before, during, or after the tool is being used in thetreatment area. A thin tube may be disposed inside the subdermalcatheter (or a lumen may be defined in a wall of the catheter) alongwith the other mechanics of the cutting device. The thin tube (or lumen)can then be attached to a fitting at the proximal end of the subdermalcatheter for fluid connection with a syringe, syringe pump or otherinjection mechanism known in the art. In certain embodiments thetreatment solution can be injected using the subdermal catheter. Thetreatment solution may include a local anesthetic or pain relievingsolution, an antibiotic, or a combination of treatment solutions usefulin similar medical procedures. In some embodiments it may further bedesirable to substitute port 2201 with an aspiration port operablyconnected to a vacuum source to aspirate fluid and minimize theaccumulation of fluid.

FIGS. 22B through 22D illustrate how the wire may be sharpened or formedto a blade. It is possible for blade 1802 to be made of a sharpened wire2203, where the wire diameter is from 0.5 mm to 3.3 mm and, as best seenin FIG. 22D becomes a non-circular cross-section after sharpening. FIGS.22B-22D show how the cross section of the wire changes from circular(FIG. 22B) to non-circular (FIGS. 22C and 22D) as the wire is sharpened.In some embodiments, the pre-sharpened wire may also have rectangularcross-section, and one or more of the edges of the rectangle may besharpened (not illustrated). FIG. 22A shows the wire implementation,where the wire is deployed to one side 2204 and exits proximal of thedistal end 2205 of cutting tool 102. Preferably, the location of wire2203 exit may range from distal end 2205 to about 3 cm proximal thedistal end of the catheter. In one embodiment, the sharpened aspect ofthe wire faces distal end 2205 of cutting device 102, and the cuttingfunction occurs when the device is pushed in the distal direction. In afurther embodiment, the sharpened aspect of the wire faces toward theproximal end, opposite distal end 2205, and the cutting function occurswhen the device is pulled back from the distal position. Optionally,both edges of the wire may be sharpened for cutting in either direction.Cutting wire 2203 may also be optionally gradually deployed in a seriesof cutting sweeps, where with each sweep the wire is deployed further toachieve a wide dissection plane. FIG. 22B represents a non-sharpenedportion of the wire, FIG. 22C represents a semi-sharpened portion, andFIG. 22D depicts a fully sharpened end for cutting when deployed fromdevice 102. Port 2201 may dispense for dispersing a solution into thetreatment area or remove tissue from the treatment area as the device isused to cut fibrous structures and/or destroy adipose tissue.

Sharpened cutting wire 2203 may also form an RF cutter include an RF(radiofrequency) electrode connected to an RF amplifier (see FIG. 16B).As previously described embodiments, insulating coating may be appliedto the length of the electrode, leaving only a relatively small exposed(active) portion at or near the distal end of the wire. Wire 2203 may beused with or without activating the RF energy. Thus the RF may assist inthe cutting. RF energy may be supplied to wire 2203 in either a cuttingor coagulation mode as desired. It may be desirable to activate the RFenergy only after wire 2203 is positioned subdermally at the desireddepth to prevent or minimize injury to the skin. Moreover, the wireelectrode 2203 may be used to confirm resection by sweeping theunpowered wire electrode through the cutting plane. RF amplifier 1609supplies RF energy to the probe 2203 or any of the other RF probesdisclosed herein.

Throughout this disclosure the term mesh will be used to refer generallyto any generally planar foreign body sheet of material which isimplanted into subcutaneous tissue. The mesh may be composed of sutures,filaments, fibers, fibrous structures, scaffolding, quills or the like.The mesh used in any of the embodiment described herein may bebioabsorbable such that the mesh dissolves or is otherwise absorbed bythe body over time. Each of the embodiments disclosed herein may be usedto treat targeted areas, such as the upper leg below the buttocks wherecellulite is most visible.

The mesh may be implanted under the skin in order to promote increasedconnections between the skin and the fat and increase the durability ofthe reduced dimpling cellulitic appearance. In one embodiment the meshmay be made of any of a range of materials including but not limited topolypropylene, nylon, collagen, polymers of polyester, glycolide, orother suture materials. The mesh may either be absorbing ornon-absorbing. The thickness of the mesh can vary from 0.01 mm to 0.05mm and the area of the mesh may range from 1 mm to 100 mm. The mesh maybe formed in squares, circles, rectangles, or irregular shapes that arecustom cut to the patient needs.

In the embodiments disclosed herein it is preferred that the meshinclude a plurality of pores to promote the in-growth of tissue. Moreparticularly, the pores preferably have a pore size ranging from 50 μmto 5 mm such that it can become ingrown with tissue at that site toserve a useful therapeutic purpose. The pore size is patient dependant,and different pore sizes will be indicated for different patients. Thegoal pore size is as small as possible to create a smooth appearance anda maximum amount of fibrous attachment through the mesh; however, largeenough to promote rapid attachment of cells and maintain a highlyflexible and natural looking appearance.

In one embodiment, the implantable mesh is reticulated, such that it iscomprised of an interconnected network of pores, either by being formedhaving a reticulated structure and/or undergoing a reticulation process.This provides fluid permeability through the implantable mesh andpermits cellular in-growth and proliferation into the interior of theimplantable mesh. In further embodiments the mesh may include quills,sutures or other structures which bind into the surrounding tissue.

The mesh may be textured or treated on one side to promote binding toeither the skin or the fat side. The mesh may be textured or treated onboth sides to promote binding to both the skin side and the fat side.The treatment on the mesh may be a growth-promoting chemical toencourage rapid in-growth into the mesh from the body, and/orbiologically acceptable glue may be used to bind one or both sides ofthe mesh.

The mesh may be composed of stiff materials or flexible materials.Preferably, the mesh is highly flexible and easily contours to anycurvature. The mesh may be made of component material that is elastic ornon-elastic. In addition to being flexible, it may be desirable for themesh to be composed of elastic materials. Moreover, according to oneembodiment the mesh may be attached to tissue on both upper and lowerplanar sides (parallel to the dermis) thereof. Attachment of the meshmay be by way of adhesive glue or the like, sutures, staples, barbs,hooks or the like. In the case of non-elastic material, the mesh willlikely need to be bound on one side and free to move on the other side.Upon implantation, the mesh reduces dimpling by creating a substantiallyhigh density of attachments (new fibrous septae) between the skin andthe fat, thus reducing the appearance of dimples and heterogeneity onthe skin surface. Over long term, e.g., 3-6 months after implantation,the mesh promotes more fibrous tissue which further reduces theappearance of cellulite.

In some embodiments, a self-expandable frame is used to deploy the meshinto its correct position and orientation. The mesh may be removablyattached to a self-expandable frame for delivery into the subcutaneoustissue, either in the subdermal fat or in the layer between thesubdermal fat and the skin. The self-expandable frame can be constructedof any self-expandable material, such as a nickel-titanium alloy (e.g.,NITINOL®). The mesh can be attached to the frame by any suitable methodknown in the art, e.g., it can be sutured to the frame with abiocompatible suture material, glued to the frame using biocompatibleglue, or even heat-bonded to the frame, where the frame has beenpre-coated with a suitable heat-activated polymer or adhesive. Incertain embodiments the implantable device (mesh and/or frame) can beconstructed to conform to different shapes and sizes to accommodate arange of patient skin types, weight, height, diameter, or the like. Theintention is to remove the frame after the mesh is delivered.

The implantable device may also include a biocompatible, reticulated(i.e. resembling or forming a net), resiliently compressible elastomericmaterial that is generally flat, flexible, and can recover its shape andmost of its size after compression. In some of these embodiments theelastomeric material may be comprised of a bioabsorbable polymericmaterial.

In some embodiments, the implantable device (frame and/or mesh) has aresilient compressibility that allows the implantable device to becompressed under ambient conditions, at 25° C., from a relaxedconfiguration to a first, compact configuration for in vivo delivery viaa delivery-device and to expand to a second, working configuration, insitu. The implantable device can be suitable for long-term implantationand having sufficient porosity to encourage cellular in-growth andproliferation, in vivo. Preferably, the implantable device isconstructed such that it may be encapsulated and ingrown within thetreatment area, and does not interfere with the function of the regrowncells and/or tissue, and has no tendency to migrate.

In some embodiments, the period of implantation will be at leastsufficient for cellular in-growth and proliferation to commence, forexample, in at least about 4-8 weeks. In these embodiments, the devicemay be sufficiently well characterized to be suitable for long-termimplantation by having been shown to have such chemical, physical and/orbiological properties as to provide a reasonable expectation ofbiodurability, meaning that the device will continue to exhibitbiodurability when implanted for extended periods of time, e.g. thedevice may include a biocompatible elastomer that may be consideredbiodurable for the life of a patient.

Furthermore, in certain implantation applications, it is anticipatedthat implantable device will become in the course of time, for example,in 2 weeks to 1 year, completely absorbed, encapsulated by tissue, scartissue or the like, or incorporated and totally integrated into, e.g.,the fibrous septae repaired. In some embodiments the implantable deviceis completely biocompatible such that the probabilities of biochemicaldegradation or release of undesired, possibly nocuous, products into thehost organism may be attenuated if not eliminated.

As shown by FIGS. 23A through 23E, the system may include a meshdeployment applicator 2301 to deploy a fibrous mesh 2302 through asingle needle hole in a dermis to create a highly fibrous layer directlyor through wound healing processes. The implantable mesh may beself-expandable, and is generally flat, flexible, and can recover itsshape and most of its size after compression. In other embodiments mesh2302 may be detachably coupled to a resiliently compressibleself-expandable frame (not illustrated). In a first embodiment,implantable mesh 2302 is preferably disposed at or near a distal end2303 of deployment applicator 2301. The applicator is insertedpercutaneously through the skin using a subdermal catheter such as thatdescribed above, or by itself through a hole in the skin, to deploy theimplantable mesh located at or near its distal end to a treatment areain the subdermal fat or in the layer between the subdermal fat and theskin. It should be noted that the mesh applicator may be combined in akit or a system with any of the dissection devices and/or thevacuum-assisted hand piece described herein. Specifically, the meshapplicator may be included with handpiece 100 to be deployed throughconduit 213. The dissection devices disclosed herein may be used tocreate a subdermal pocket sized to receive the mesh.

As depicted in FIGS. 23A through 23C, implantable mesh 2302 can befolded and/or stretched on a guide-wire (not illustrated) or on aninternal sheath 2304 (that may also harbor a guide wire) in order toattain a cross section narrow enough to be preloaded into a secondsheath 2305, this external second sheath includes a hollow portion 2306of deployment applicator 2301, or similar delivery catheter associatedwith deployment applicator 2301.

In one embodiment, depicted by FIGS. 23A through 23B, the implantabledevice may be folded onto internal sheath 2304 and disposed withinexternal sheath 2305, and is deployed when the device becomesunrestrained by external sheath 505.

In other embodiments, depicted by FIG. 23C, implantable device 2302 maybe rolled onto itself and disposed within external sheath 2305.Implantable device 2302 may be deployed by removal of the externalsheath 2305. For example, the apparatus may be deployed by pushinginternal sheath 2304 or guide wire in a distal direction 2307 out fromdevice 2301.

In some embodiments, deployment applicator 2301 may include arestraining member that is actuated by heat, electricity, or other meansknown in the art to release the mesh apparatus from its collapsed andrestrained position to its relaxed and expanded position.

In one embodiment external sheath 2305 may include the subdermalcatheter 1801 previously described or may be positioned within subdermalcatheter 1801 along with cutting blade members 1902. In this embodimentcutting tool 102 includes a hollow end depicted in FIG. 21A.

Preferably, the collapsed applicator has a sufficiently narrow profileto be threaded through deployment applicator 2301 or subdermal catheter,previously described. The applicator is preferably insertedpercutaneously through the incision made by cutting tool 102, or otherhole or incision in the skin created by the various dissection devicesdescribed herein. While applicator 2301 may be used with handpiece 100,applicator 2301 can be deployed through any needle hole in a dermis. Inone embodiment, the thickness of the implantable device when in acollapsed form, i.e., when folded, rolled, and/or stretched to beaccommodated by the applicator, has an outer diameter of from about 0.65mm to about 2.2 mm. Suitable delivery sheaths 2305 can have an outerdiameter from about 1 mm to about 3.3 mm. In other embodiments, theouter diameter of the deployed device or delivery sheaths can be greateror smaller depending on the configuration of the dissection needle.

As illustrated by FIG. 23E, mesh 2302 (with or without a correspondingframe (not shown)), when in a relaxed and expanded form, has a lengthand/or width 2307 typically in a range from about 1 cm to about 5 cm. Inother embodiments, the range may be up to 10 cm or higher depending onthe size and configuration of the deployment applicator and dissectionneedle. Mesh 2302 is depicted as substantially square, but can be anyshape suited to be placed in the subdermal fat or in the layer betweenthe subdermal fat and the skin. For instance, and without limitations,the fully expanded mesh can be circular, rectangular, triangular,hexagonal, or even irregularly shaped.

FIGS. 24A through 24F depict a second embodiment of a mesh deploymentapplicator. In this embodiment, a sheath 2305 may include or beinterchangeable with an introducer needle 2401, and a guide wire may beomitted. A deployment shaft 2402 and keeper rod 2403 are disposed insideintroducer needle 2401. Mesh 2404 is configured to be furled (i.e.,rolled up) around shaft 2402 and keeper rod 2403. Introducer needle 2401(with mesh inside) may then be inserted through an entry wound 2405created by tool 102. After insertion, needle 2401 slides off over aproximal end 2406 of shaft 2402 and keeper rod 2403, leaving the furledmesh 2404 positioned with subcision region 2407. Shaft 2402 issimultaneously rotated about its longitudinal axis 2408 to un-furl mesh2404, and pivoted about the skin-entry point 2405 to pull mesh 2404across subcision region 2407. Keeper rod 2403 is maintained in a fixedposition as mesh 2404 is un-furled, so as to anchor the edge of mesh2404 at the desired location within subcision region 2407. As shown byFIG. 24C, shaft 2402 pivots 2408 about skin-entry point 2405, aided bythe dissection handpiece 100 (discussed above). As mesh 2404 continuesto be un-furled, a greater portion of mesh 2404 is deployed acrosstreatment area 2407. FIG. 24E depicts mesh 2404 in a fully deployedposition. As depicted in FIG. 24F, after deployment, keeper rod 2403 andshaft 2402 can then be withdrawn through entry point 2405, leaving mesh2404 in the desired position within subcision region 2407. In oneembodiment, a longitudinal slit 2409 is present on a distal end 2410 ofshaft 2402 and keeper rod 2403. Mesh 2404 is secured when mesh 2404 iswrapped around shaft 2402 or keeper rod 2403, however, slits 2409 areopen on distal end 2410, so when shaft 2402 and rod 2403 are withdrawnas illustrated, mesh 2404 slips off the end of shaft 2402 and rod 2403.

With reference to FIG. 16B, in some embodiments the system includes anenergy device 1608. In accordance with these embodiments the insertabletool and/or handpiece may be configured to apply energy such as RF,ultrasound, or microwave energy to the tissue before or after the meshhas been inserted into the treatment area. Although not specificallyillustrated, it should be understood that an appropriate energy source1609 (ultrasound amplifier, RF amplifier, microwave) will need to beoperably connected to handpiece 100. In some embodiments energy source1608 may be used to create damage sites along the mesh that will heal asfibrous structures, and/or to shrink the mesh and create a tightening ofthe subcutaneous tissues. Energy device 1608 may include a microwave,conductive heat, ultrasound, or RF. In some embodiments the energy mayalso be applied to shrink the self-expanding implantable device after ithas been deployed under the skin.

One method of using the present embodiments is directed to providing ahandpiece (described above) configured to minimally invasively create aplane of dissection. The handpiece may be used to reduce the appearanceof cellulite by cutting the fibrous structures between and which createthe chambers of fat cells. Notably, it is the chamber of fat cellscreated by the fibrous structures which create the aestheticallyunappealing dimpling known as cellulite. The chambers of fat cells andthe fibrous structures which create them may lie in either the shallowfat layer or in the deeper fat layer. The handpiece and cutting toolsare suitable for cutting the fibrous structures which may lie in theinterface between the dermis and the fat, in the shallow fat layer 0-10mm below the dermis, or in the deep fat layer 10-30 mm below the dermis.The handpiece of the present invention supports the cutting tool andenables the user to create a plane of dissection at a precisely defineddepth and, if desired, deploy a mesh implant into the treatment area. Ifdesired, the area of treatment may be injected with one of the commonlyused anesthetic compounds or collagen promoting material. It should beunderstood that any of the cutting devices disclosed in this disclosuremay be used with any of the mesh insertion methods and devices disclosedherein. The depth of the plane of dissection may be defined by theorthogonal distance from the tissue apposition (tissue facing) surfaceof the top wall to the tool insertion conduit.

With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9C, a physician first applies a referencemark 904 to the dermis to identify a cellulite dimple for treatment, andhandpiece 100 is positioned on an outer portion of the skin 903 to betreated. Handpiece 100, including transparent cover 206, is subsequentlyplaced over mark 904 on dermis 903 and a vacuum is applied. Mark 904 isthen suctioned against the upper tissue apposition surface 203 such thatmark 904 on dermis 902 is visible through the clear top portion 206 ofhandpiece 100. A reference feature 905 on handpiece 100 indicates theregion that dissection will occur, and the physician verifies that mark904 falls within the dissection region 902. FIG. 9C depicts handpiece100 used in conjunction with a NOKOR™-like subcision device capable ofcutting septae and infusing a tumescent solution, however, any cuttingfeature or device disclosed above may be used with this embodiment.

An embodiment of using the device includes percutaneously inserting acutting tool through the epidermis of the skin and into the subdermalfat layer or in the layer between the fat and the skin.

(1) A first step, depicted by FIGS. 1A and 1B, includes capturing thetissue having dimpled cellulite into the recessed portion of thehandpiece. In some embodiments this entails applying a manual pressureor force on the handpiece. In other embodiments this entails using avacuum enabled handpiece to bring the tissue into contact with therecessed portion of the tissue apposition surface. Suction from a remotevacuum source 1606 (FIG. 16B) is supplied to one or more ports 208 (FIG.2) in the handpiece to pull the tissue into a recess bounded on top andside surfaces. Precise depth control, where depth is measuredorthogonally downward (into the tissue) from the dermis is believed tobe an important factor in achieving consistent and uniform results. Inother words, it is important to create a planar lesion at a fixed depthbelow the dermis. FIG. 2 depicts a portion of subcutaneous tissue 205disposed within the recessed area of the handpiece.

(2) A deployable tool (102, 303, 1001, 2401) is then placed into andthrough the conduit in a side of the handpiece, such that the tool isplaced in a precise tissue depth in the subdermal fat or in the layerbetween the fat and the skin. The tool may have a collapsible blade ormay pierce the skin like a bayonet. In one embodiment the tool may beany cutting tool as described in previous paragraphs. In anotherembodiment the tool may be a hypodermic needle for anesthetic fluidadministration. In another embodiment the tool may be a specializedlarger diameter hypodermic needle, or subdermal catheter, configured toallow deployment of a cutting tool and/or other deployment devicesthrough its center.

(3) Once in place, the cutting tool is actuated. In some embodiments,actuation of the cutting tool entails deployment of the cutting blades.In some embodiments, the cutting blade is simply inserted percutaneouslythrough the dermis at a desired depth. In some embodiments, the cuttingtoll is an RF needle. The RF needle may be provided with a sharp tip forpenetrating the dermis. In some embodiments, the tip may be blunt orbeveled. Actuation of the RF needle entails supplying RF frequencycurrent from an RF amplifier to the needle in either a cutting mode orin coagulation mode. To avoid damaging the dermis, it is desirable tosupply the minimum amount of energy during cutting to avoid or minimizeheating of the dermis.

Optionally, one or more cutting blades of the cutting tools are thendeployed from the cutting tool. In one embodiment, deploying the cuttingblades include actuating a control at a proximal end of the tool. Thecontrol may be actuated by a simple switch, lever, or control rod whichis either pulled, turned or pushed to control actuation of the cuttingblades. In some of the embodiments the cutting tool is not collapsedthus the un-collapsed cutting blade is percutaneously inserted and thereis no need to deploy the cutting tool.

(4) The tool is then manipulated to sever the fibrous structures 220(FIG. 2) between the skin and the fat at a precisely defined depthmaintained by the handpiece and tissue apposition surface. In oneembodiment the tool cuts on the reverse stroke as it is pulled back(retracted) 227 to sever fibrous structures 220. In another embodiment,the tool cuts on the forward stroke as the tool is deployed and pushedforward 228 to sever the fibrous structures. In a further embodiment thecutting tool is optionally moved in a forward and reverse direction,i.e. reciprocated. In a further embodiment conduit 213 is configured toprovide some side-to-side movement parallel to the surface of the skin(FIG. 2B). In other words, the conduit is somewhat larger gauge than thecutting tool, thereby enabling the cutting tool to be pivoted in an arcfrom side-to-side. In a yet further embodiment advancement and sweepingof the tool during cutting is microprocessor controlled.

(5) After completion of the cutting of the fibrous septae, the tool iscollapsed and/or removed from the tissue and the handpiece. Optionally,the cutting blades are then retracted by any of the means described fordeploying the blades. Or as described above, in some embodiments thereis no step of deploying or underdeploying the blade. In one embodimentthe blades are retracted by moving the actuator in the oppositedirection as it was moved to deploy the blades. In another embodimentthe blades are retracted by moving the actuator in the same direction.As noted previously, some of the cutting tools may not utilizecollapsing cutting blades in which case the cutting tool is simplywithdrawn. Optionally, the users may sweep the cutting tool to verify aclean dissection of the fibrous structures. If resistance is encounteredwhen sweeping the cutting tool then steps 4 and 5 may be repeated.

A further embodiment of using the device includes percutaneouslyinserting a mesh between the subdermal fat layers and the epidermis.

(1) Turning to FIG. 25, a mesh applicator 2501 is optionally placed intothe treatment area through conduit 213 of handpiece 100. Mesh applicator2501 contains a self-expandable mesh 2502 initially collapsed and smallin shape. In further embodiments, in which handpiece 100 is not used,applicator 2501 is inserted through a needle-sized hole 2503 throughdermis 204.

Mesh 2502 or other bio-absorbable implantable device is configured on adistal end of a mesh applicator. In one embodiment configuring theimplantable device includes attaching the mesh to a self-expandableframe and placing the implantable device into a collapsed positionretained at the distal end of the mesh applicator. In another embodimentthe mesh is self-expandable and positioned in a collapsed form withoutthe use of a frame.

(2) The distal end of mesh applicator 2501 is then insertedpercutaneously into a treatment area between the subdermal fat layersand the epidermis.

(3) Once mesh applicator 2501 is placed into the tissue and into thetreatment area via conduit 213 or hole in dermis 204, mesh 2502 isexpanded in the tissue to stretch under the skin. In one embodiment themesh 2502 self-expands when released from the applicator. In anotherembodiment mesh 2502 is deployed by a self-expanding frame. In a furtherembodiment the mesh is deployed by manually manipulating a shaft andkeeper rod (FIGS. 24A-24F), and/or other percutaneous tools useful fordeploying the mesh. Deployment of mesh may include any means describedherein, including by applicator 2301 or by deployment shaft 2402 andkeeper rod 2403 (via applicator 2401). Deployment of mesh 2502 mayfurther include actuating a control to release a retaining mechanismretaining the implantable device in a collapsible form.

(4) Correct placement and alignment of mesh 2502 is then verified, ifpossible, by the treating physician.

(5) Once the mesh is deployed and verified, it is optionally secured inthe treatment area. In one embodiment, the mesh 2502 is simply placed inthe tissue. In one embodiment the implantable device may be anchored inplace, and, anchors of suture, staple or other material is placed on thecorners of the mesh to hold it in place. The implantable device may beanchored near its corners or outer edges, or any method which wouldsecure the implantable device in place. The anchors may include quills,sutures or other structures which bind into the surrounding tissue. Theimplantable device may be textured or may have been treated on bothsides to promote binding to both the skin side and the fat side. Theimplantable device may include a treatment on the implantable deviceincluding a growth-promoting chemical to encourage rapid in-growth intothe implantable device from the body. In a further embodiment theimplantable device may be textured or treated on one or more sides topromote binding to either the skin or the fat side. In a furtherembodiment, the mesh is coated with biologically acceptable glue on oneor both sides and the tool stretches the mesh so that the glue can cureonto the skin and/or fat. The mesh preferably covers the treatment areaincluding severed fibrous structures 220 that were previously severed bycutting tool 102 or other cutting implement described herein.

(6) Once the mesh is in place and/or anchored, the mesh applicator isthen retracted from the tissue and the treatment area. In certainembodiments, this step may also include removing applicator 2501 fromhandpiece 100. If a mesh deployment frame was used this step may firstinclude applying a form of heat to shrink the frame, or using a controlto retract the frame prior to removing the mesh applicator from thetissue.

(7) Once the mesh is implanted, a thermal energy such as microwave,conductive heat, ultrasound, RF may be applied to the tissue after themesh is in place. In one embodiment, energy is then applied to thetissue after the mesh is in place. In one embodiment, the energy may beused to create damage sites along the mesh that will heal as fibrousstructures, and/or to shrink the mesh and create a tightening of thesubcutaneous tissues. In another embodiment, a thermal energy such asmicrowave, conductive heat, ultrasound, RF may be applied to shrink theimplant as it is in place in the subdermal fat and create a tighteningof the subcutaneous tissues. In another embodiment the thermal energymay be applied to shrink the self-expanding mesh deployment frame. Whenthe proper heat is applied to the frame the frame will constrict to itscollapsed form for easy withdrawal of the device from the tissue.

In some embodiments, a treatment solution may be injected into thecutting area at or between any step of cutting inside the tissue. Thetreatment solution may also be injected prior or after deployment of theblades and/or cutting steps. The treatment solution may include a localanesthetic or pain relieving solution, a vasoconstrictive agent, or anantibiotic, or a combination of treatment solutions useful in similarmedical procedures. If the cutting tool includes the application ofenergy the treatment solution may be selected to enhance the delivery ofenergy. For example, if the cutting tool is an RF electrode, thetreatment solution may include saline or like conductive solution toprevent charring of the tissue. It may be desirable to control suchenergy based on the measurement of an applicable parameter such astissue impedance or temperature. As someone with ordinary skill in theart would realize, such feedback control would be comprised of amicroprocessor based algorithm. As used throughout this disclosure, anyreference to applying energy should be understood to define theapplication of one of radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound, microwave, orthermal energy.

As in previous embodiments, and as depicted by FIGS. 26A and 26B, andwith further reference to FIG. 10A, a treatment solution may be insertedprior to or after the dissection process. Injection device 1004 isinserted into the guide track 302 preferably at entry point 1008. Thetissue to be treated is disposed in recessed area 105 as previouslydescribed. Needle 1001 may then be easily guided through conduit 213 andentry hole 214 and into the tissue by moving injection device 1004 alongany of radial tracks 1005 toward handpiece 100. For example, injectiondevice 1004 is first moved down the central channel in a forwarddirection 2601 to directly insert needle 1001 into the tissue. Thetreatment solution is then injected using needle 1001 manually usingsyringe 1003 or, in some embodiments, by a microprocessor driveninjection pump (e.g., FIG. 15). After the solution is injected needle1001 is removed by reversing direction along track 1005. Injectiondevice may then be rotatively moved in an arc 2602 along cross-track1007 to be positioned in an alternate radial track 1005. Injectiondevice 1004 is then moved a second time down radial track 1005 in aforward direction 2603 to insert needle 1001 into a further locationwithin the treatment area. Needle 1001 passes through the same entrypoint 214 while the widened shape of conduit 213 allows repositioning ofneedle 1001 with respect to rotational angle 2602 and radial tracks1005. The process may then be again repeated for the third track 1005,or as many times as is determined to be necessary by the treatingphysician. In some embodiments, needle 1001 is a 22 gauge multi-holed,single-use needle. Needle 1001 includes multiple holes along its sidesso as to, once it is fully inserted, saturate the tissue along itsinjection path. Injecting the solution along the paths set by thedisclosed injection guidance track, thus allows a solution, such as ananesthetic and/or a vasoconstrictor, to fully saturate the treatmentarea while providing precise needle guidance and specific depth. It hasbeen found that the method reduces the number of needle sticks necessaryto infuse the area to be treated, increases anesthesia effectiveness,and substantially minimizes pain. Because the handpiece remains in thesame position between solution injection and dissection (subcision)locality of anesthesia relative to dissection is assured, and theswappable guidance track provides rapid switching between medicamentdelivery and dissection and vice versa so as to increase fluid retentionthroughout the process. Furthermore, the modularity of the platform andguidance track ensures that the process is repeatable and scalable.

The device allows for three-dimensional control of treatment solutiondelivery and dissection of subcutaneous tissues, not realized by presentart. The device typically controls a depth of between 4 mm and 20 mmbelow the surface of skin; however, a depth lower than 4 mm or greaterthan 20 mm is contemplated. The range of motion in the lateral directionis controlled by the effective length of the needle or blade or othercutting device, however, typically encompasses an area of between 2 mmand 50 mm in either direction. As the cutting device is disposed furtherinto the subcutaneous space larger areas are achievable.

It is generally recognized that a large treatment site heals more slowlythan a series of smaller treatment sites. Moreover, the larger thetreatment site the greater the risk of seromas, uneven healing,fibrosis, and even skin necrosis. Turning to FIGS. 27A through 27D, thisproblem is addressed, in one embodiment, by utilizing a adjustable depthfeature (e.g., FIGS. 12, 13, 14). Each treatment site 2701 is an islandsurrounded by tissue 2702 which has not been treated (the fibrous septaehave not been severed at the same plane). As depicted by FIG. 27A,handpiece 100 is used to treat a first treatment area 2701. In someembodiments, after the tissue within the first treatment site istreated, the handpiece can be repositioned on a different treatment area2701 at the same, or at a different or alternating depth as, forexample, in a checkerboard fashion.

According to further embodiments, a relatively large treatment area isdivided into a plurality of smaller treatment sites. FIGS. 27B and 27Cshow two or more treatment sites 2701 a, 2701 b, 2701 c surrounded byuntreated tissue 2702. In some embodiments, the spacing in the X-Y plane(parallel to the dermis) between adjacent treatment sites is reduced oreliminated. In some embodiments, the treatment sites could even overlap.Zero spacing (or overlapping) between adjacent sites is possible ifadjacent treatment sites are at different treatment depths (measuredperpendicularly from the dermis) and the bridge of untreated tissue canbe greatly diminished without impacting the tissue healing time. In theembodiment depicted by FIG. 27C, treatment sites 2701 a and 2701 c areat a different treatment depth than 2701 b. According to a furtherembodiment, treatment sites may not be contiguous, meaning that thereare no multiple connected lesions. For instance, a further treatmentarea may include unconnected treatment sites 2703.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, adjacent treatmentsites 2701 touch or even overlap but are at different treatment depths(measured in a direction perpendicular from the dermis). Thus, from atop view (FIG. 27C) the plurality of treatment zones 2701 a, 2701 b,2701 c appear to be continuous, but from a side view, depicted by FIG.27D, it is clear that the “checkerboard” lesions 2701 a, 2701 b, 2701 care at different treatment depths. In other words, adjacent sites are atdifferent treatment depths.

The interspersing of treatment sites at different treatment depths isbelieved to accommodate rapid healing. More specifically, theinterspersing of treatment sites at different treatment depths allowsfor closer spacing between treatment sites while accommodating for amore rapid healing response time of the injured tissue. As the treatmentarea(s) heal, the tissue in the treated subcutaneous area regrows withminimal adipose tissue and minimal thickness such as to alleviate andsubstantially reduce the appearance of cellulite.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the benefits realizedby the multiple depth treatment enabled by the embodiments may be basedon the severity of the specific lesion(s) or the specific area on thebody being treated. For instance, it may be desirable to treat a deeperlesion at a deeper depth. Dimples or lesions on the thighs, for example,may be treated at a different depth than lesions on the buttocks.According to yet another aspect of the invention, the size of thedissection may also be adjusted by incomplete or partial movement of thecutting means within the guidance track. For example, with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B, a smaller area may be treated than the total areaaccessible by guidance track 302 by not completing movement of thecutting module throughout all the arcs 602 or by not moving laterally asfar along the arcs.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of human tissue showing subcutaneous fatlayer 2801, dermis 2802, epidermis 2803, eccrine sweat gland 2805, andEccrine duct 2806. As shown in FIG. 28, the sweat gland 2805 is foundproximate the interface between the dermis and the fat layer 2801. Theabove-described handpiece 100 and any of the cutting devices disclosedherein may be used to either sever eccrine sweat gland 2805 from eccrineduct 2806 or injure the eccrine sweat gland to halt the excretion ofsweat. This would be particularly advantageous for treatinghyperhidrosis in which the sweat gland produces an excessive amount ofsweat. Severing the sweat duct may provide permanent relief if the ductdoes not regenerate or reconnect with the sweat gland. Similarly,damaging the sweat gland may provide permanent relief if the sweat glandis sufficiently injured to permanently disable the gland.

The forgoing description for the preferred embodiments of the inventionhas been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of theinvention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claimsand the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with regardto the preferred embodiments and drawings thereof, it should be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art that various adaptations andmodifications of the present invention may be accomplished withoutdeparting from the spirit and the scope of the invention. Accordingly,it is to be understood that the detailed description and theaccompanying drawings as set forth hereinabove are not intended to limitthe breadth of the present invention.

We claim:
 1. A minimally invasive skin treatment device, comprising: ahandpiece having a perimeter wall and tissue apposition surface disposedon the handpiece, wherein the tissue apposition surface and perimeterwall forms a recessed area; and a conduit disposed on a side of aperimeter wall, wherein the conduit is configured to allow passage ofcutting tool through the conduit and into the recessed area, the conduitbeing configured to allow the tool to be percutaneously inserted into atissue disposed within the recessed area such that a distal end of thetool is maintained substantially parallel to a substantial portion of asurface of the tissue.